James Moore's Blog, page 120
March 5, 2013
6 Inspiring Marketing Principles I Learned From Famous Amos
What can Famous Amos teach anyone about marketing? Well, 6 quite inspiring principles, in fact. It’s an odd premise, I know, but stay with me. I’m always looking at the world to see what works and why as far as marketing goes. After all, I promote music, and I’m always looking to apply new lessons and techniques to help the artists I work with.
I’ve been diligently following Tim Ferriss’s 4 Hour Body plan for the past 6 weeks. It’s essentially healthy eating, cutting out the starches and sugars (which is much harder than it sounds) and eating mainly protein, vegetables, beans and legumes. The main draw, for me, though, is that the way the science works, I get an off day, and on the off day, I can have whatever I want…beer, cheeseburgers, cake, cookies. This is where Famous Amos enters the picture.
I was eating Famous Amos cookies the other night, and was wondering why they sell so well, while at the same time wondering why the packaging and the name itself made me feel as if I were buying from an old friend, and not a huge company or a non-entity. The answer was all in the bio, and as I read it and broke it down, I realized that it was something all entrepreneurs, individuals and companies could learn from. In a time where the media is more saturated than ever (calling it “over saturated” would be an opinion, you see), it’s critical for stories to stand out. Here are the elements that make Famous Amos work from a marketing standpoint.
The bio begins with “Originally, Famous Amos baked delicious cookies in his home to share with his friends and family.” Our first principle, then, is selflessness. The story has a selfless beginning, making the reader instantly like the protagonist.
“In 1975, he was inspired by a passed-down family recipe and perfected the ultimate chocolate chip cookie.” Our second and third principles are (divine) inspiration and exclusivity, meaning the individual’s selflessness was rewarded, naturally with a flash of inspiration. Since the inspiration only came to this individual, it technically means that there is only one person in the world who has it, and can share it. It’s exclusive and special, and since it comes internally, it can’t rationally be argued with. (More on the sharing later)
“With the commitment to use only the best ingredients, he then started his own company.” Our fourth principle is right action, which comes from pure inspiration. In other words, since the original action of feeding his friends and family was pure, the inspiration to perfect the family recipe was pure, too, and now sharing with the public takes on the same ethics.
“Wally’s homemade-tasting cookies with semi-sweet chocolate chips and flavorful nuts were so special they became famous just by word of mouth.” Our fifth principle is collective right action/reward. Right action, of course, leads to collective right action, whatever that may appear as. The fire is lit and it spreads quickly.
“Today, Famous Amos cookies still meet these high expectations and are enjoyed by all true cookie lovers. Enjoy the special recipe that made Amos famous!” Our 6th principle is oneness, and this is an interesting one. Notice the term “enjoyed by all true cookie lovers”. You want to be a true cookie lover, right? Also, you’re getting invited to take part in this journey, to taste the special recipe that was inspired by selflessness, that was once kept secret and shared with a small group of people. You’re taking part in family, community, friendship, and inspiration.
Another thing we should note is that, if you look up Wally Amos on Wikipedia, he has a much bigger story than cookies. He was an Air Force veteran and a talent agent with the William Morris Agency. There was also much more to the promotion and start-up of Famous Amos Cookies that represents the way we do modern business. Notice how none of this is shared, because it’s not relevant.
So many individuals, companies, musicians, and artists represent themselves in confused ways, listing everything they’ve ever achieved in their outreach, hoping it will “stick” and impress someone. They completely forget the point; the story, and no one is impressed by accolades alone. If what you’re doing can’t be framed as exclusive to you, and if you can’t frame that as something the public is excited to share, you won’t sell. A small disclaimer, though, this article is not meant to be used as a blueprint for writing your bio, per say. You don’t need to create a myth about yourself if there isn’t one there! I do hope it’s been a fun read, and you enjoyed the straight forward wisdom.
In my opinion, anyone can learn how to run a business, a band, or any other entrepreneurial endeavor by simply reading the back of a package of Famous Amos cookies in the right light.
As featured on Indie-music.com, Examiner.com, I Am Entertainment Magazine, Antimusic.com, and recommended by countless music publications, “Your Band Is A Virus! Expanded Edition” is the ultimate music marketing guide for serious independent musicians and bands. Get your copy now.
March 4, 2013
Monks Of Mellonwah Stream New EP, Sign With A&R Worldwide
Australian alternative rock/progressive group Monks of Mellonwah have posted a full stream of their brand new EP “Sky and the Dark Night”, due out April 1st on vinyl and digital. The 3 track EP marks a departure for the band, showcasing a darker, more experimental new direction that was only hinted at with their 2012 release “Neurogenesis”.
About the inspiration for “Sky & The Dark Night”, Joe de la Hoyde says “We are each riddled by our own curses and battle our own demons. There are diseases and syndromes, and many things that we can’t understand let alone hope to control. Sky And The Dark Night, to me, is the journey from the beginning of our battles to their fruitless ends; the ups and downs, the triumphs and the failures. It is the undying hope that maybe somewhere along the way, we might find ourselves.”
Monks of Mellonwah are currently celebrating signing a new development deal with A&R Worldwide (Adele, Muse, Coldplay), booking extensive live dates and preparing their full-length release due later this year. In 2012, they toured nationally and traveled to the United States twice, winning AIM Awards (Best Indie Rock Artist) and LA Music Awards (Best International Artist) respectively. To stream “Sky and the Dark Night” in full, visit the Monks of Mellonwah Bandcamp page.
As featured on Indie-music.com, Examiner.com, I Am Entertainment Magazine, Antimusic.com, and recommended by countless music publications, “Your Band Is A Virus! Expanded Edition” is the ultimate music marketing guide for serious independent musicians and bands. Get your copy now.
The Noise Beneath The Apple Announces Rockethub Campaign To Raise Funds For Recording Project Of “New York State Of Mind” Featuring Over 30 New York City Street Musicians
My friend and colleague Heather Jacks at The Noise Beneath The Apple, a favorite New York City-based music blog of mine, has launched a compelling/exciting Rockethub campaign with an inspiring goal (full details below). I hope you help her achieve it!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 4, 2013
THE NOISE BENEATH THE APPLE ANNOUNCES ROCKETHUB CAMPAIGN TO RAISE FUNDS FOR RECORDING PROJECT OF “NEW YORK STATE OF MIND” FEATURING OVER 30 NEW YORK CITY STREET MUSICIANS
(New York, NY) – Music blog, limited edition book, record and scholarship The Noise Beneath The Apple (TNBTA®) announced today the launch of a RocketHub campaign to raise funds for their new recording project, celebrating New York City’s street music culture. TNBTA® has gathered over 30 of New York City’s best buskers to record Billy Joel’s hit song, “New York State of Mind,” at Grand Street Recording in Brooklyn, New York on May 14th. The recording will be arranged by Best Revenge Records recording artist Keaton Simons, and co-produced with TNBTA’s Editor-In-Chief, Heather Jacks. The track will feature the sounds of Penn Station, Times Square and the L Train—unique vocalists, an accordion, cello, harmonica, banjos, musical saw, and even a washboard. “Think Michael Jackson’s ‘We Are The World’ meets New York City street musicians,” says Jacks.
Proceeds from the RocketHub campaign will cover the multiple-use licensing of the song, the entire recording process including studio rental and staffing, the editing, mixing and mastering of the track, and the production of the finished product, to be determined. After all costs are covered, additional proceeds will go towards TNBTA’s scholarship at Brooklyn College for an arts/journalism student. RocketHub supporters can choose from an array of awards including MP3 downloads, time in the studio on the day of recording, and dinner with the directors in NYC amongst others.
The “New York State of Mind” recording project is just one of many successful offshoots to The Noise Beneath The Apple’s initial endeavor, which is a limited edition, hardcover, art-style book celebrating the busking culture and street music scene of New York City. The book is over 200 pages long and includes photos, interviews, and commentary from notable artists such as Bob Dylan and Pete Seeger, as well as an audio component on vinyl. It is the vision of music journalist Heather Jacks. A book release party is currently scheduled for May 16, 2013 at Martin Lawrence Galleries in NYC.
“While working on this book, we thought it would be cool to bring all of these street performers together under one roof,” says Jacks. “We wanted to create something truly genuine, authentic and unique, to capture a piece of the busking culture in a way that would be far bigger than any one of us individually.”
To learn more about TNBTA’s “New York State of Mind” recording project and/or to support the RocketHub campaign, please visit: the campaign website here.
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For more information on The Noise Beneath The Apple, please visit www.thenoisebeneaththeapple.com, and contact Laura Goldfarb of Red Boot Publicity (Laura@redbootpr.com, 617.407.7284).
As featured on Indie-music.com, Examiner.com, I Am Entertainment Magazine, Antimusic.com, and recommended by countless music publications, “Your Band Is A Virus! Expanded Edition” is the ultimate music marketing guide for serious independent musicians and bands. Get your copy now.
March 1, 2013
David Bowie’s “The Next Day” Is A Gut Wrenching, Beautiful Masterpiece
David Bowie’s new CD “The Next Day” is a gut wrenching, beautiful masterpiece. Recorded in secret over the past two years with producer Tony Visconti, the effort could have gone in just a few directions. 2003′s “Reality” was for the most part a strong release, 2002′s “Heathen” was excellent, while 1999′s “Hours” was a mostly forgettable affair. Bowie fans around the world were surprised that a new album was forthcoming at all, so it’s safe to say we would have been happy with almost anything, including a mixed bag.
However, I think Mr. Bowie has managed to remind us that art is about digging deep into the human psyche and bring out something truly beautiful. “The Next Day” is a whole in it’s expression of the human experience. It’s at once immensely sad, a freight train aimed at the heart of sorrow, and incredibly joyful, the kind of deep joy that only comes from thoroughly understanding sorrow and suffering. Next to 1996′s departure album “Outside”, it’s the darkest release of his career, and it’s more balanced than “Outside” was. It could very well be the the best album of Bowie’s career.
1. The Next Day
David starts off with a post-punk dance track showing off the perfect mix of dissonant guitars and hard-hitting rhythm. Vocally, it’s all attitude, as Bowie spits venom with the lines “Here I am/Not quite dying/My body left to rot in a dying tree”. There are many cases on the album like this that find Bowie freeing him of himself. He’s being clear with no sugarcoating, and he’s not holding on to anything.
2. Dirty Boys
With an intro groove that reminded me a bit of “Raised Right Men” by Tom Waits, I realized the similarities in quality between these two masterpieces; “The Next Day” and “Bad As Me”. “Dirty Boys” starts off with a crawling beat and a back-and-forth exchange between menacing guitars and baritone saxophone. It plays to the part of us that rejects what’s good for us…the part that goes out and indulges headstrong in the worst the city has to offer.
3. The Stars (Are Out Tonight)
Once again, dissonance is a factor here, and you can here the influence the Pixies had on Bowie with the perfectly chosen guitar lines. A potent commentary on our current obsession with stardom, and accompanied with a stunning video, this is an absorbing listen. The strings push it over the top. Everything tasteful and potent.
4. Love Is Lost
“Your country’s new…and your maid is new…and your accent, too, but your fear is as old as the world”. That gives you an idea of the tone on “Love Is Lost”, which is hands down one of the most powerful songs on this release. Hello church organ and dark, dark, electro blues. Each element elevates the others. The vocals sound desperate. This is a call to arms, or a call to come to terms.
5. Where Are We Now?
A brilliant choice for the first single, who knew how much it would stand alone as a rare quiet moment on a menacing rock release? Vulnerable and broken, this is the tale of one who’s defenses are completely down. That’s what gives the piece it’s energy of truth.
6. Valentine’s Day
A throwback to 60′s and 70′s Bowie, this is a lush track filled with warm chords and beautiful backup harmonies, although the story is quite dark, lyrically describing an ousted loner.
7. If You Can See Me
The song seems to burst out of nowhere with a frantic pace. The beat lurches forward and reminds the listener of “Hallo Spaceboy”, or perhaps the “Earthling” album, although it’s strange and more experimental. Progressive and exciting. Electronic, industrial, rock, pop, gothic, progressive rock…it’s a cohesive fusion of them all. Frantic and panicked is the vocal delivery, but at the same time joyful and celebratory.
8. I’d Rather Be High
Another dark lyrical take on a soldier doubting his path in life, with the chorus lyrics “I’d rather be flying, I’d rather be dead, than out of my head and training these guns on those men in the sand.” The chorus itself is brilliant, and the melody of the song takes on a melodic George Harrison psychedelic influence. Who knew “Ooohs” and “Aaahs” could be so powerful?
9. Boss Of Me
Bowie revisits the best of his 80′s persona with this very catchy track that could very well be another single.
10. Dancing Out In Space
The simple love for dancing/movement comes out and pushes through the sadness and confusion. A song to lay your cares aside to, proven by the line “no one here can see you”.
11. How Does The Grass Grow?
Ya ya ya ya. Strange and addictive, this is one of the most hooky tracks on the album, with typically morbid lyrics set over a pure pop rock backdrop.
12. (You Will) Set The World On Fire
The 70′s are back again. This track opens with something that could fit in well with “The Man Who Sold The World”, and it’s a bona fide hit. Anyone doubting Bowie’s modern rock credentials should be pointed to this well-crafted offering. The chorus weaves it’s magic with repetition, making for a purely arena rock experience. Amazing!
13. You Feel So Lonely You Could Die
The sense of melancholy comes back, with another quiet and reflective track, only similar to “Where Are We Now?” in mood. The doo wop style and church hall backup vocals make for a powerful atmosphere. The lyrics speak for themselves, telling the story of a suicidal person who endlessly projects their depression to the world.
14. Heat
Enter the Scott Walker influence. Possibly the most “Outside” sounding song on the album, “Heat” is hypnotic and droning, with the same chords continuing on throughout the piece. Bowie says goodbye to the personality, to the human predicament, in this song of mourning and nonsensical exploration. Beautiful and eye-opening, ending with the odd line “My father ran the prison”.
As featured on Indie-music.com, Examiner.com, I Am Entertainment Magazine, Antimusic.com, and recommended by countless music publications, “Your Band Is A Virus! Expanded Edition” is the ultimate music marketing guide for serious independent musicians and bands. Get your copy now.
February 28, 2013
Buke and Gase’s “General Dome” Is One Of 2013′s Best Albums So Far
Brooklyn indie rock/progressive duo Buke and Gase have one of 2013′s best releases so far on their hands with the fascinating full-length “General Dome”. With prog rock, garage/noise, and singer/songwriter/indie sensibilities, the group fire on all cylinders with tracks that are as beautiful as they are strange. “General Dome” also deserves credit for how musically challenging and original it is…in a time when many artists are clinging to their more genre-specific natures, Buke and Gase did the right thing artistically, and it’s paying off in word of mouth. Highly recommended for fans of: The Breeders, Tomahawk, Radiohead, and King Crimson
As featured on Indie-music.com, Examiner.com, I Am Entertainment Magazine, Antimusic.com, and recommended by countless music publications, “Your Band Is A Virus! Expanded Edition” is the ultimate music marketing guide for serious independent musicians and bands. Get your copy now.
February 25, 2013
Dead Can Dance Albums From Best To Worst
Dead Can Dance is one of the most prolific and epic duos ever to form, and their music is legitimately undefinable. World, tribal, gothic, spiritual, traditional, industrial…the work of Brendan Perry and Lisa Gerrard crosses cultural barriers and connects with the listener on the deepest level. They write brilliant lyrics but also go “beyond the word”, with Brendan Perry often referencing mythology, philosophy and history with messages extremely relevant to where we are now, and Lisa Gerrard in many cases taking the leap in communication and using only sound. The results are original and stunning, if not hard to describe.
While Dead Can Dance really don’t have any bad albums, I hope this blog serves to promote the band and suggest some gateway albums for the uninitiated. You can buy their music at www.deadcandance.com.
1. The Serpent’s Egg
Dead Can Dance’s 4th album was released in 1988. In my eyes, it’s the 3rd in a trilogy of masterpieces (Spleen & Ideal, Within the Realm of a Dying Sun, The Serpent’s Egg). In a way, all these albums are equally brilliant, but with the previous two albums being so incredibly dark, there is something about “The Serpent’s Egg” that steps into the heart of sorrow and finds light there. From the opening notes of possibly their greatest composition “The Host of Seraphim”, an anthem of compassion for the human race, to the inspiring wake up call “Ullyses”, this album rouses the spirits of the wandering traveler. Hidden gem and personal favorite: “Chant of the Paladin”.
2. Within The Realm Of A Dying Sun
The dark night of the soul. Profound and with a completely isolated feel, “Within The Realm Of A Dying Sun” is nothing short of a shocking album. The choice of scales/notes, the excessive reverb, the feeling of being lost at sea and yet having the ship steered at the same time…Lisa Gerrard provides some of her best work with “Cantara” and “Dawn of the Iconoclast”, while Brendan Perry’s “Anywhere Out Of The World” and “Xavier” are classics. Listen to this album to focus during dark times.
3. Toward The Within
One of the best live albums ever released and a stellar introduction to Dead Can Dance for the uninitiated. Perry and Gerrard planned well, including a large number of non-album tracks, making this a seamless listen on it’s own. The recording is excellent and the instrumentation is beautiful. Also, the live version of “Cantara” is, well, Shiva in musical form in case you’re interested in what that sounds like. Lisa Gerrard gets mad, in a big way, and it’s a sound to behold. “Rakim”, “Oman”, “I Am Stretched On Your Grave”, and “Desert Song” are other highlights.
4. Spleen and Ideal
Released in 1985, “Spleen and Ideal” is nothing short of a masterpiece, with gothic songs full of wisdom and no small amount of venom. The drum machines may age the album, but they also add to the atmosphere and the isolation. There is a sense of questioning the human predicament and attempting to see beyond illusion. This is not an album for the casual music listener. Listen to “The Cardinal Sin”, “Mesmerism” and “Avatar”.
5. Into The Labryinth
“Into The Labryinth” marks a point in Dead Can Dance’s career where they reached a level of worldwide mainstream appeal, thanks to the success of the single ”The Ubiquitous Mr Lovegrove”. It’s the best gateway album for those unfamiliar with the band, or possibly used to more mainstream fare. Also, it’s no less profound than their other work. “Yulunga (Spirit Dance)”, “How Fortunate The Man With None”, ”The Ubiquitous Mr Lovegrove”, ”Towards the Within” and “Saldek” all rank amongst Dead Can Dance’s best material.
6. Spiritchaser
Delving further into world music, “Spiritchaser” is completely consistent, a journey into another world, and thoroughly enjoyable musically. Perry and Gerrard trade off vocals for a more tribal, unified feel, and tracks like ”Nierika” and “Song Of The Stars” feel immense. This is an album for deep soul searching.
7. Anastasis
It says a lot that “Anastasis” fits in so well with the Dead Can Dance discography, coming out in 2012, when their previous release, “Spiritchaser”, came out in 1996. “Anastasis” is dark and slow in tempo, although the lyrics contain hopeful, universal messages courtesy of Brendan Perry, who seems to continually grow artistically, and as a human being. As a composer, he sounds revitalized, honing his previous influences with more modern production techniques from the likes of Tool and Nine Inch Nails, both acts probably influenced by DCD. “Anastasis” makes you look forward to more new music.
8. Aion
“Aion” is a beautiful album, with a distinctly more angelic feel than their other releases. While there are a host of interlude tracks and some less intense than usual offerings (“Fortune Presents Gifts Not According To The Book” was a new kind of songwriting compared to the band’s darker earlier works), some of DCD’s best work can be found here, such as “As the Bell Rings the Maypole Spins” and “Black Sun”.
9. Dead Can Dance
Released in 1984 and showing more of their post-punk and gothic sides, this is an album best listened to as a demo. This is Dead Can Dance’s “Bleach”. A solid album, but not a good gateway for the first-time listener.
As featured on Indie-music.com, Examiner.com, I Am Entertainment Magazine, Antimusic.com, and recommended by countless music publications, “Your Band Is A Virus! Expanded Edition” is the ultimate music marketing guide for serious independent musicians and bands. Get your copy now.
February 21, 2013
Song Of The Day: “Rhymin’ & Stealin” by Beastie Boys
“Rhymin’ & Stealin” by Beastie Boys is at once a party song and an outright rebellion filled with aggression enough to spoil any party. It’s the kind of track you could hear 5 times in a row without getting sick of it. In fact, the effect would be stronger than one of those rather shady 5 hour energy drinks. Enjoy one of the greatest hip hop/rock tracks ever recorded.
As featured on Indie-music.com, Examiner.com, I Am Entertainment Magazine, Antimusic.com, and recommended by countless music publications, “Your Band Is A Virus! Expanded Edition” is the ultimate music marketing guide for serious independent musicians and bands. Get your copy now.
February 20, 2013
The Myths And Realities Of Crowd Funding For Musicians
Crowd Funding
(Excerpt from “Your Band Is A Virus – Expanded Edition) Many artists rejoiced when they found out about a fairly recent development in the online music world; crowd funding. Websites such as Kickstarter.com, Indiegogo.com and Pledgemusic.com allow artists, business owners, film directors, inventors, and fundraisers of just about every persuasion to set up a profile for their project and reach out for financial support from the public. Sounds simple, right?
This is where most people get tripped up. The most important thing to know about online crowd funding is that it functions exactly the same as raising funds in the physical world. You need to work at it…and hard. Artists should spend at least 40 hours promoting their crowd funding project and treat it like a job. If you want to reach the public, put the time and effort in.
One of the reasons that crowd funding can work so well is that it allows people to provide funding for your project in very small amounts and get real value in return through the incentives you offer. While someone buying your CD through your website may suspect the funds could be going towards the drummer’s next video game purchase, there is a real sense (and guarantee) that funds invested in a band’s crowd funding campaign really go towards their progress, whether that be their new album, video, or tour.
Another aspect of the project campaign is the video. These need to be honest and original, giving a strong sense of who you are and what you’re aiming to do with the album. When it comes down to it, what’s the point of it? Why should they support you?
Only a small percentage of people who contribute to your campaign will do so solely to support you, so you’d better have amazing and creative incentives. Here are a few ideas:
The product – This is an obvious one. If someone contributes $10, they get a copy of your upcoming CD along with a personalized thank you note from the band.
The enhanced product – Why not create a deluxe version of the album only available to supporters of the crowd funding project? Throw in an extra disc of b-sides, live tracks and demo versions. If it gets bootlegged, don’t worry. That’s just more exposure and cool factor for you.
Start low – Amanda Palmer set a Kickstarter record by having 4,743 pledge for her $1 reward. What was the incentive? A digital download of the new album. With so many unknown artists being more concerned with getting their $9 through digital sales, this should provide some smart business perspective. One dollar can go a long way, both in supporting your project and gaining new fans.
Personalized material – Many artists do this and it seems to generate good results. When someone pledges $100 or more, why not write a song for them and perform it on Youtube? Granted, this is not the best choice for every band. It depends on your personality.
Cover tunes – If you want to stay within your image as a band, why not provide a list of covers for the public to choose from, and for a chosen bid, you record that cover and dedicate it to the bidder? This also gets more viral content on the net for your band, so it’s a great tactic to use multiple times.
Rare merchandise – Why not appeal to your fanbase advertising merchandise only available through your crowd funding campaign? Limited edition t-shirts. Posters. Baseball caps.
Early access – Offer to send early demos and other exclusive content. This isn’t just to wet people’s beaks. It makes them feel as if they’re genuinely a part of the making of the album, which they are.
Private parties – Why not arrange a private party and special performance specifically for supporters of your campaign?
Autographs – They’re always popular. Sign CD’s as well as endless photos.
Your back catalogue – Provide your full back catalogue as an added incentive for those who want more swag.
Something unusual – The really original ideas are going to be what sell your project. Fancy giving pledgers a remote reiki healing session, writing them a haiku, or sketching a cartoon?
For an example of a musician who succeeded in his Pledgemusic.com campaign and really did things right with his incentives, check out Jesse Terry’s campaign at
http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/jesseterry
For more ideas and tips, visit
http://www.kickstarter.com/blog/.
As featured on Indie-music.com, Examiner.com, I Am Entertainment Magazine, Antimusic.com, and recommended by countless music publications, “Your Band Is A Virus! Expanded Edition” is the ultimate music marketing guide for serious independent musicians and bands. Get your copy now.
The Myths And Realities Of Crowd Funding For Musicians (Kickstarter, PledgeMusic and Indiegogo)
(Excerpt from “Your Band Is A Virus – Expanded Edition) Many artists rejoiced when they found out about a fairly recent development in the online music world; crowd funding. Websites such as Kickstarter.com, Indiegogo.com and Pledgemusic.com allow artists, business owners, film directors, inventors, and fundraisers of just about every persuasion to set up a profile for their project and reach out for financial support from the public. Sounds simple, right?
This is where most people get tripped up. The most important thing to know about online crowd funding is that it functions exactly the same as raising funds in the physical world. You need to work at it…and hard. Artists should spend at least 40 hours promoting their crowd funding project and treat it like a job. If you want to reach the public, put the time and effort in.
One of the reasons that crowd funding can work so well is that it allows people to provide funding for your project in very small amounts and get real value in return through the incentives you offer. While someone buying your CD through your website may suspect the funds could be going towards the drummer’s next video game purchase, there is a real sense (and guarantee) that funds invested in a band’s crowd funding campaign really go towards their progress, whether that be their new album, video, or tour.
Another aspect of the project campaign is the video. These need to be honest and original, giving a strong sense of who you are and what you’re aiming to do with the album. When it comes down to it, what’s the point of it? Why should they support you?
Only a small percentage of people who contribute to your campaign will do so solely to support you, so you’d better have amazing and creative incentives. Here are a few ideas:
The product – This is an obvious one. If someone contributes $10, they get a copy of your upcoming CD along with a personalized thank you note from the band.
The enhanced product – Why not create a deluxe version of the album only available to supporters of the crowd funding project? Throw in an extra disc of b-sides, live tracks and demo versions. If it gets bootlegged, don’t worry. That’s just more exposure and cool factor for you.
Start low – Amanda Palmer set a Kickstarter record by having 4,743 pledge for her $1 reward. What was the incentive? A digital download of the new album. With so many unknown artists being more concerned with getting their $9 through digital sales, this should provide some smart business perspective. One dollar can go a long way, both in supporting your project and gaining new fans.
Personalized material – Many artists do this and it seems to generate good results. When someone pledges $100 or more, why not write a song for them and perform it on Youtube? Granted, this is not the best choice for every band. It depends on your personality.
Cover tunes – If you want to stay within your image as a band, why not provide a list of covers for the public to choose from, and for a chosen bid, you record that cover and dedicate it to the bidder? This also gets more viral content on the net for your band, so it’s a great tactic to use multiple times.
Rare merchandise – Why not appeal to your fanbase advertising merchandise only available through your crowd funding campaign? Limited edition t-shirts. Posters. Baseball caps.
Early access – Offer to send early demos and other exclusive content. This isn’t just to wet people’s beaks. It makes them feel as if they’re genuinely a part of the making of the album, which they are.
Private parties – Why not arrange a private party and special performance specifically for supporters of your campaign?
Autographs – They’re always popular. Sign CD’s as well as endless photos.
Your back catalogue – Provide your full back catalogue as an added incentive for those who want more swag.
Something unusual – The really original ideas are going to be what sell your project. Fancy giving pledgers a remote reiki healing session, writing them a haiku, or sketching a cartoon?
For an example of a musician who succeeded in his Pledgemusic.com campaign and really did things right with his incentives, check out Jesse Terry’s campaign at
http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/jesseterry
For more ideas and tips, visit
http://www.kickstarter.com/blog/.
As featured on Indie-music.com, Examiner.com, I Am Entertainment Magazine, Antimusic.com, and recommended by countless music publications, “Your Band Is A Virus! Expanded Edition” is the ultimate music marketing guide for serious independent musicians and bands. Get your copy now.
February 19, 2013
Puscifer “Donkey Punch The Night” CD Review
Puscifer (Maynard James Keenan, Jeff Friedl, Matt McJunkins, Mat Mitchell, Carina Round and Josh Eustis) are back with a new EP entitled “Donkey Punch The Night”, and while it’s always a good thing to have new material from Mr. Maynard James Keenan, it’s important to note that this release shouldn’t be considered as a proper album, or a follow up to the absolutely brilliant “Conditions Of My Parole“, which got my album of the year vote. In fact, it would be difficult for Conditions to even get it’s due. It’s that good, so if you haven’t heard it, start there.
“Donkey Punch The Night” shows off Maynard’s sillier side, and of course, he knows that humor and fun are just as important as anything spiritual or serious, so whims get explored. “Bohemian Rhapsody” is well done, and yet it feels completely unnecessary. No strange quirks or innovation has been added, and key vocal lines were lowered in order to fit Keenan’s range. It would have been interesting to hear the song re-interpreted and not simply re-played to this extent. That being said, who am I to complain? It’s tightly played and makes for an enjoyable listen.
“Breathe” brings out the sexy, courtesy of musical prodigy Carina Round, as she trades off slithering vocal harmonies with Keenan. It’s a solid original track, with menacing synths and a thick, downtempo beat. The track’s lyrics, while simple, are interesting as well, bringing the spiritual aspect into the physical, speaking of no separation. Let the body do as it will.
“Dear Brother” is more upbeat, with a funky, southern rock feel that pleases but doesn’t quite take off. It’s as ethereal as anything you’d expect from Puscifer, just missing some of the depth from previous efforts, and it’s hard to sink into when the lines “donkey punch the night” are sang.
The cover of Accept’s “Balls To The Wall” is where things really get interesting, ironically. I didn’t expect this track to come across as the most sincere and absorbing on the EP, but that’s definitely the case. Instead of rocking it out, the band opted for an emotionally charged and laid back commentary. Atmospheric and cool as ice, this is a wholly new type of anthem. Definitely re-worked and inspired.
The album closes with 3 industrial/electronic/trip hop remixed, all interesting and worthwhile, but none essential listening. Overall, “Donkey Punch The Night” is a fun addition to Maynard’s discography and a great release to tide fans over, but I think it’s safe to say that most fans would much rather him work on new Tool than some of the material presented here.
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