Music Biz Consulting

Chapter 8.1

YOUR ACTION PLAN FOR THE SUCCESS

I would like to start by saying that if you are reading these ARTICLES it is because you really want to embark on life as a musician.
Don't forget everything done right, it will be a promotion for your future. It takes effort, and you're going to have to set yourself goals that you're going to meet.
As you've done before, I recommend taking pen and paper and preparing an action plan.

Excuse? Ah OK, I thought I got it right. Yes, all right, you've recorded a CD and selling over the internet is going well, but that's not all, indeed...
Start by wondering who you are, what you want and what you want to achieve in the next few years, in short, define your person, and from here, you begin to put the action plan on the paper.

What is the key to my success?
- Playing your music unpretentious, just for fun. Or, sign with a record company, or become famous. -
For each of us success could be written differently, it's all up to you.

My future goals ?
- What are you hoping to achieve? Don't daydream, keep your feet firmly welded on the ground. Let me give you an example: (This year I want to get a minimum of 30 shows).

What can I do to achieve my goals?
- Explain which channels you'll want to follow to achieve the goals you set yourself in the previous question.

What will I have to sacrifice for success?
- Think about it very well. There are things you can give up without too much sacrifice, but for some others you'll have to put effort into it. Such as giving up holidays, etc.

List of what I'm NOT willing to sacrifice
- I'm sure it's going to be a long list, and easy to make, but probably over time some of them will be moved on the list of things to sacrifice.

How can I find all the information I need?
- Make a list of people who can make contact and who can help you out. Friends etc.

How much money am I willing to invest?
- After taking stock of your financial status, you will be able to establish the total available to realize your goals.
Write a precise figure of how much you will invest.

How long will I invest in my goals?
- Write how many hours a day/week/month you will dedicate to your plans to put them into practice.

How and where can I find contacts in the music business?
- Start by making yourself a list of people you can count on their help, after which, time, will make you expand the social field.

When do I think I'm going to complete and achieve all my goals?
- Write a date and keep it.

All right, now it's about following step by step the points you've noted, and I'd say let's start with the "What can I do to make my dreams come true" point. Go to your computer and open an Excel program and prepare a table as follows

Today's date
The date of contact
Contact details:
C1 – Name
C2 – Company name
C3 – Address
C4 – Phone Number
C5 – Email address

What did we say to each other?
- Example: Agent Pinco Pallino offered me 4 shows in 4 different cities.
Notes:
-You will write down your impressions; if good, if bad etc.

Going back to the beginning of this chapter, where we talk about "the good sale of your CD on the internet", I suggest you keep a tab that you will update every time you sell copies, and you will do so like this:

Date today
Date of shipment
Complete contact of the company
Copies sold
Required copies

Over time, when the band finally performs live, you'll have the option to sell your CDs directly to your fans before, during, and after the concert. It will be your first and most important merchandise, YOUR MUSIC.

Don't forget to reread your list every day and keep your word in the things you've written on your pro-memory.

When you finally "touch" the scheduled date for achieving your intended goals, then it will be time to make an inventory, and then an assessment of the situation, ticking one by one all the points that you have listed in black and white.

You haven't forgotten anything? Well, then it's time to celebrate your ARRIVAL!

Tiziana (April 25th 2021)

Chapter 7.1

EVEN THE EYE WANTS ITS PART

Most of the parcels I receive are not only CDs, but also biographies, press kits and, of course, photographs.

Do we want to talk about the latter? Okay, let's talk about it!

As in all things, there is also a choice of one's own image. When you choose your partner for the rest of your life, you don't take the first one that happens, but you look for what you like and a person's style. Let's put it this way, a woman likes how she dresses, how she wears makeup, how she styles her hair, and why not, even for her physique. On the other hand, a man likes for his bearing, for his ease, for his strength and also for his style. I mean, the eye wants its share. Right?

Well, let's go back to the music world.
Question: You hear so much about the famous 70s/80s, like the best ever, and they won't be coming back by now. Have you wondered why it was so successful?
So many times I have asked this same question of mine to musicians, young fans and people of the same age as me, who obviously lived through the years in question.
I got different answers, all valid, but let's get it in order.

The greatest reactions of the musicians were:
- In those years there was room for everyone.
=> True!
- In those years the business was rich.
=> True!
- In those years the new music genres were accepted and supported until they achieved success.
=> True!

Now let's compare the reactions of young fans, and they are:
- In those years, the shows produced a real show.
=> True!
- In those years a fan could identify with his idol.
=> True!
- In those years the stars were not only fantastic musicians, but dictated a certain style of clothing, much appreciated in the young people of the time, who for the first time faced a new musical genre.
=> True!

Now it's the turn of the reflections obtained by people my age.
- In those years, music and style went hand in hand.
=> True!
- In those years we bought the product because we knew it was valid.
=> True!
- In those years the stars were real stars.
=> True!

All more than valid answers but those given by the young fans, are the ones I expected to hear. Let's analyze them together one by one.

1. "In those years, the shows produced a real show" Of course! Bands like KISS, Van Halen and to quote other musical genres I would say bands such as The Trammps, Devo etc., I could write a book only in listing the groups that in the 70s/80s did SCHOOL OF ENTERTAINMENT!
Word revealed, Entertainment, that's the gist of success. The image( or I know you prefer calls the style), of the members of a band goes hand in hand with Entertainment.

It's not enough to squeal an instrument or shout into the microphone to start a band. It would be too easy,wouldn't it?
Initially, don't aspire to find the musicians right away; don't worry, nowadays there are millions waiting for an audition, but work in "fabricated" the image of your future band. Every genre of music has a fashion to follow, and why not? Maybe even to renew, inventing a new look, a cut or hair color, or a new style of pants or t-shirts, or launching a new type of shoes or boots, in short, your mental "image" is only spoiled for choice, PUT IT TO WORK!

Now, that you have a clear picture of the situation, it's time for the hearings.
We'll talk about auditions in another chapter, but in the meantime I suggest you clarify in advance, to possible future "street mates" your intentions regarding theimage your band will have. As one proverb says:
"Man warned, half saved"
I would say that fits perfectly, right, I was forgetting, add the clause inherent to the look of the band in the contract you will do with the individual members of the band. What if one of the members disagrees with what you'reproposing? patience, hello, and forward another!

2."In those years a fan could identify with his idol."
- Yes, holy words!
Let's get a name, Elvis Presley. Who, better than him, launched a new style of music and image? And coincidentally, it is still followed today by millions of fans of that time and, precisely thanks to its personal charm, has bought new "followers" of this century. To put it all an Idol that still sells today!
People who combs themselves with tufts, those who wear glittering jackets, those who juggle in the same way. Not to mention his merchandise, which thanks to what I explained before, continues to sell, and, will never stop. Did you wonder why?
I'm going to give you a little help! His merchandise is always expanding mentally. What the hell does that mean? It means that thanks to its image /style, you can produce goods in large quantities, without having to capitular in repetition. And here we fall "the donkey". I'm not saying you're a somaro, it's just a saying, to say, that the collector or "normal" fancompetes in collecting as much material as possible.
As a Business Woman, I could say:
A MONEY MAKER!

Let's take a step back, at the beginning of this chapter, and thatis , from the packages I receive with thenecessary attachments, including photographs.
As for the complete analysis "on what to put in the package", it will be the subjectof another chapter, not to be taken under the leg. At the moment I would say stay in the photographic field.

You are looking for a rapprochement /proposal in the Music Business and for the first time we are in contact, virtually, but still it is a relationship. My firstcuriosity, is to know the faces of those who, perhaps one day in the immediate future, will be the bandor the artist who will have the plan to"do" together of the business. Right? I'd say so.

I open the package, look for photographs and what do I find?
I find shots ofamateurs "at the Pub".
Thing to snag the skin. Photographs without a minimum of care for the background, people without feet, because during the shooting, the photographer did not take care of the details, or worse, photographs from "passport", without a minimum of style or image. In short, photos from dubious origin, such as, from diy cabins equipped with self-portrait for the price of 10 Euro / 15 USD for 6 copies.

I never understood why 90%of non musicians give importance to their personality, in other words, their business card.
But how? You get in touch with me, because you're looking for a manager who can invest time and money in your band, and, you showup with photos from discount prices and poorlycurated? I'm sorry to remind you, but I'il never tire of tell you that the eye wants its share.

So what?
Then call a professional studio and ask for a series of entertainment photographs. Launch a star image that suits your band and that young people between the age of 13 and 20 can simply copy. To put it all, build what will be your success tomorrow, spending your time and money today,
THE EYE WILL BE GRATEFUL!

Tiziana (February 21st 2021)

Chapter 6.1

ARE YOU A GOOD PROFESSIONAL MUSICIAN?

How the music business has changed. I was very young when I approached. I was probably 5 or 6 years old. I remember my dad's words, yes, he was the one who pushed me to learn how to play an instrument and sing. He said to me, "Music is art and knowing how to play an instrument or sing, it forms a person's education."
His words were and still are, Holy Sacred.
He was a very good politician. His work had nothing to do with music, but at the same time he knew.

I went from classical to rock music, and blues to funky. Let's say I "visited" it all.
In 20 years of work dedicated to this business, I can say that I have seen EVERYTHING!
I had the pleasure of talking to "professional businessmen" and fantastic musicians, but unfortunately, I also came across with dumbies, inexperienced and frustrated musicians.

Let's say I can boast of some experience, and i have a great ear for music. I listened to thousands of records and went to thousands of concerts of all kinds and levels. And do you know what? I can recognize at the first minute of listening or after seeing the band in "action" on their first song on the set list, whether it is a competent or another failed like so many. For example, for auditions (such as on X-Factor or American Idol) in just 10 seconds a specialist can guess and then judge whether the musician in question will be the candidate to become an upcoming star.
Put it this way the "specialists" smell the smell of success. As well as we understand when a musician knows his instrument to the full. We can tell when a singer uses his voice in a perfect and magical way. Or we recognize when a drummer is unable to beat time or when a bass player is unable to follow the band, or thinks about doing so, but is actually grazing with cows, or a guitarist who makes completely out of tune asoles and not in the right place.

Surely you are laughing at crackles thinking that all this cannot be possible!
You think I'm a liar? Believe me, ask labels, art critics and various professionals, how much rot we receive in our mailbox.
I can already count myself lucky i don't have white hair.
I happen to receive a demo so many times followed by multiple phones calls a day for days and several emails a day for weeks, asking me "if I liked music”, “if I want to take the band in management", or "if I want "to shop" for a record deal".
Try to be in my shoes, and find the words to tell these musicians that unfortunately their music won'tgo anywhere because it’s horrendous.
Never happened to go to a concert, and after four songs the club was completely empty? Why? Because the band was playing like crap. That's why! There's no other reason.

Yet every day there are thousands of new musicians and bands and thousands of new CDs coming out on the market. Do you think all of these will be able to climb a step?

No!

Try to give your best. Don't run, I mean, don't put in your head that you want to play live right away and at any cost.
You never know what the audience can reserve for you!

Remember, recording your music and playing live are two perfectly different things. Many years ago, CDs (then Vinyl) made very good money and from the sale you obtained your royalties that allowed you to program and pay your musicians, producer, mixing, cover designer, as well as rent the recording room for the next "release".

Today, things have totally changed. CDs sales have fallen and with the economic crisis, fans can no longer afford to buy different CDs every month. So what?
And then you try to save money, buying MP3 via the internet for 1 Euro per song. But of one thing the fans will never stop, and you know what? Well, as the world fell, no cost, the fans will never stop going to your concerts.
So, following on from the beginning of this talk, I'm sure you'restarting to get excited about why you don't rush to want to play live.
Fans are very critical and sensitive, sometimes they can even be cruel. If on the "internship" you are a slap, they are able to leave you alone and go home... but not only that. Think about negative publicity on their facebook or myspace pages and word of mouth between friends. Long story short, if you're on tour and you've had a horrible evening, a chain reaction may happen and then find yourself at the next shows with completely empty halls, not to mention big fan losses.

Everyone can achieve success, but if you really want to get there, you'll have to practice a lot and spend all your free time playing your instrument with your band. Only then will you become a MASTER MUSICIAN.

Haste is a bad disease and you have to beat it. Don't forget that the music business is always looking for musicians who are convinced of what they're doing and want to get to the top.
I will never tire of telling you that your patience and your will to fly high will bring you the right fruits.

Patience is the virtue of the strong!

Tiziana (January 16th 2021)

Chapter 5.1

HOW TO PLAN YOUR CAREER

How to start planning a serious future career in music business?
What are the main steps you need to take?

A. Sign a contract with a label.
Don't think big! If it's your first job don't look for big labels, so-called "Majors".” You're with your feet firmly welded to the ground. The big companies are havingan agreement with established artists. They invest in stars who in turn will have a profit in their bank account. I'm talking about a million-dollar movement and not a small advance. So, I suggest you don't go that way, you'd waste time on nothing, and you know, time is money!

B. What are you looking for labels?
The smaller labels called "Labels" are looking for talents with an existing "Fan Base",” as well as talents with a CDs already on the market and who over time have sold a massive amount of records. Groups of musicians collaborating with each other, building their future. To give you an example... who is dedicated to booking their band or who works in the promotion of their band, in short, musicians who work hard to break through.

At the same time, it may happen during "shopping" to clash with labels interested in your work even if beginner. Believe me, it doesn't happen frequently, so take it as a eulogy to your music. But, best of all, it always remains to focus on playing live and then building your fan base which in turn will make life easier for you to aspire to what suits your band best while shopping.
If I'm to be completely honest, you don’t need a "Major Label “contract to achieve good success. It depends on what you're trying to achieve. If you're looking for fame, then the way could get very complicated. But if it's just about being able to live on your music, then time could fulfill your dream, of course, you need a lot of patience and a lot of work.

To reach the points I've listed above, you need to prepare a summary of things to do, and that you'll need to constantly check so that you can be ready for an interview with a label. Here are the basic points to follow.

I. Write a plan.
That is something you absolutely have to do. Your career must be totally in your hands. Not to think that someone else does it for you, it would be a real dream, but somewhat unfeasible.

II. Prepare a contract with your musicians.
I think this point is very important, indeed very important. You know, prevention is better than cure. You know what I mean?

All clauses must be written on paper:

The roles of both musicians.
Division of expenses per musician.
Division of losses or profits among members.
Amount of payment per musician and per evening.
Who is the owner of the copyright and name of the band.
The rules on recruitment and dismissal.
What rights can former members have?
If you are intent on a solo career, the name of the company.

Each member will have to sign his own contract, and the same must bear the following items in order to be valid:

Location, date, address of the band leader.
Location, date, full address of the signatory.
To change the points, the signer will have to write their comments in another sheet and then pass it on to the leader, which in turn will cost if the point can be introduced into the contract.

AT THE END OF THIS CHAPTER, IN PDF, I thought I'd attach a simple contract between leader and musician that you could take advantage of. Unfortunately it is written in English, but you will make the necessary transformations in your language.
When contracts with your musicians are signed, the band is ready for takeoff. At this point, you will register the name and open a bank account.

III. Advertising Photographs
Think professionally and then look for a photographer with good experience and who is able to create beautiful photos for your future advertising. Don't be lousy. Well-spent money will pay you back in your career. You will need to determine with your musicians (in the contract) who will own these photos and their negatives.

IV. Local Concerts
It's going to be your first money. You will have to put together a set of about 60 minutes. Try to leave the best piece and that everyone knows at the end of the set or for the encore. When all this is ready, you will start to make contact with the premises either by phone or in person, and you will send the "press kit" band to all interested premises.
Very important! Prepare a written contract withall the details you have discussed and approved conthe venue, not forgetting the agreed price for your concert.
During the live evenings, it would be appropriate for the band to hire a tour manager who will"work" the contract signed and established by both parties. assumere un tour manager che farà “funzio

V. Create your own CDs
Get ready for your CDs that you'll sell during shows. You can distribute them in the various music stores, if you are lucky, in the same store where entrance tickets will be available for your concert. Organize with a link where fans can order your music via the internet with a simple payment on delivery.
Research recording studios with a good reputation, and contact bands that have already made a CD in one of these studios. Ask how they found themselves.

VI. Promotion in local radio
Make a list of local radios and get in touch with them. I'd start by calling radios that program your own music. Colleges and universities are very popular radio stations for young people between the age of 15 and 25. These are the ones that will allow you to multiply your listeners in upcoming fans.

VII. Tell a story related to your music
Sensations are created by stories. If you want to involve new people listening to your music, you'll need to find a story related to your songs to tell your future fans.
Keep up to date with the news happening in the world we live in and look for ways to engage your music for beneficial purposes. People are very psychic, and they will not fail to remember your help.

VIII. Internet
Use the internet as a tool to reach your fans around the world, or use it to conquer new ones.

IX. Booking Agent
To schedule shows locally, you don't need a "BookingAgent". You can do it great on your own. You'll start looking for an Agent when the business starts expanding with national or continental tours. How are you going to figure that out? Simple, when you receive offers from other venues located in other countries.
This happens after playing several times in the same sold-out national venues.

X. Search for a Publishing Company
The work of a publishing company is very important. With their contacts they can expand the promotion of your songs, get an offer from a label and negotiate other contracts. Obviously every job comes at a price. You will also lose a part of the copyright. It is a very important chapter; we will talk about it later.

XI. Join one of the Performance Rights Organizations
These organizations (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC) pick up royalties. This is a very complex chapter to explain in a nutshell. I will go into detail later.
However, there are many societies, obviously in each nation the names of companies will be different, I will list them later when I do not talk about them again. At the moment, thekey thing you have to do is to find the one that inspires you more confidence than the others andregisters.

XII. Find a Lawyer specialized in the music business
If you have no idea how to find it, and possibly in the city where you live, ask friends. Non must necessarily be musicians. Sometimes word of speech can be very helpful. Since the law of music is very complicated, it is better if it is a specialized lawyer. In this way, it will help you understand and protect your interests and draft the best contracts, discussing directly with labels to find a fair deal for both of you.

XIII. Study the Business of Music.
Please, I ask you to study and then learn everything you can about this complicated business. Unfortunately, 90% of musicians have no idea how gruesome and difficult it is. It's not about spending a few minutes on the phone to get a gig or a contract with a record company. If it was all that easy, it would all be Scrooge Ducks. These days they are not allowed ignorant in this business. There are books, internet, schools and experienced musicians that can explain to you what you can't understand. Just have a lot of desire to know and learn.

That's what IT TAKES ==>SO MUCH TO WANT TO KNOW<==

XIV. Work, Work and then a Lot of Work.
I hope it didn't scare you. Think this is just the beginning. Orshe's starting to get an idea of how tough it is, to be an Artist. I recommend taking a breath and also a good beer from the fridge to calm the sweat, and then sit down with pen and sheet and start writing your strategy. This business is not for everyone. It will be a path full of frustrations and fish in the face. If you want to be the winner, you'regoing to have to fight, and sometimes you're going to have to cry, but never give up.

NEVER FORGET, WHOEVER LASTS WINS IT!

Tiziana (November 2020)

Band Member Agreement.pdf
Size : 94.175 Kb
Type : pdf

Chapter 4.1

YOUR MUSIC IS YOUR BUSINESS

Before writing a program that everyone will have to follow in detail to reach a precise goal to the success you want to achieve, the thing to do would be to sit around a table, discussing the various goals to be conquered, to understand if you are all on the same page.

In all these years spent in the Field of Music I had the pleasure of meeting many Artists, especially during tours or festivals.

Now try to imagine a backstage of a festival with thirty bands in the bill, or ladder, depends on the word you prefer to use. There you are? Well, I'm sitting at the counter having a coffee, waiting for one of my bands for the show, with a movement of people coming in and out. I happened more than once, during the long stops just mentioned, to meet other "poor people" waiting for someone or something and so you try to kill time by chatting more and less, formulating various questions, including the one at work. Obviously the most fairytale answer was/is:
"I'm a... but soon, I really hope to be able to devote myself full time to music."

Sorry, if I laugh, but to my ears, it sounds like a broken record!
==> Dedicate yourself full time to your music and maybe "making a pack of money!<==
What a beautiful dream!
Let's move on!!

The other frequent answer was/is: "I quit my job to devote myself full time to music, but unfortunately I regret it."
I always thought that to write music you should to have a fairly pronounced IQ, right? So, if you agree with me, explain to me why your brain thinksthat "you can easily keep yourself, writing "only" music"!
It is totally unfeasible. Canyou consider quitting your daily work, which, for better or worse, guaranteed you a monthly wage with which you could "pull on", in exchange for a very expensive and dream business?

If your manager or specialist has persuaded you to quit your job to throw yourself full-time into your music career, knowing that your songs do not achieve the slightest success to support you or, even worse, to support yourfamily, then believe me: that person is a moron, and I would distance ourselves!!
That said, said it all!

Of course you can give up your job and still keep with your music, but I do not recommend it. Many bands think that they have no problem to survive only with tours. Sure? I wouldn't put my hand on the fire without burning myself, and you know why? Well, most of the bands in question, they have no idea how hard it is to always be on the road without looming in trouble. Other serious complications can lead musicians to break up with the people who matter in this business, destroying a career close to success, starting againfrom the beginning.
If there's one thing the music business world doesn't forget, it's your failure. Call them cynical, or you're a bastard who enjoys seeing you destroyed, but you're left with the humiliation to support and the failure to explain to your lost fans.
I mean, eventually you're going to go on tour, and you're going to play all over the world, but you don't have to rush the times. There's always the right thing at the right time, you know? It's not just money. Sure they're important, but also think about your mental health. An artist must keep his mind free of any hassle to create great music.

In conclusion: what I try to tell you istokeep your job until you see a substantial movement of money. Don't forget that at first you'll have to be able to put up with yourself, and if you don't have a job that covers your back,it's early to rack up debts that will wreakhavocon you; nothing but success. Unfortunately, there are good musicians who havecompletely closed theirdoors because the problems caused a lack of concentration. What a sad end, don't you think?

What about mental health? Talk.
How many times have I had to watchvideos or concerts and seethe faces of musicians notfocused on what they were doing.
Well, I'm sure these "scarecrows" have come back to think that being a musician is fun!
Writing music is a mental stress, nothing but fun! The brain must be completely free of any other interest or worse, from problems that torment your creation.
To give you an example: my husband closes in his studio on the top floor when he writes music and doesn't want to be disturbed for any reason.

I know, it's hard for wife,children, family in general and friends to understand all this, but if they're smart enough, they understand that it's going to be a certain period and that in the end everyone will reap the rewards. No one will lose anyone; better if you plan all this together with your family and friends, so that there will be no misunderstandings. And in the end, they all lived happily ever after!

Here are some tips that might help you understand the difference between the full-time activity in the music biz and your daily work:

The band must be a real "money maker" BEFORE you leave your daily job permanently.
Try to understand what benefits you are about to lose by entering full-time into the world of entertainment.
Make a list of all the bills you pay monthly, and on the other hand, make a list of how many "live" nights in a month you can get.
Then, compare the two lists with both totals to understand if with only your music, in the future you will be able to continue to cover all expenses.
If you are a married person with children, talk to your wife before making any decision that could destroy your marriage.

Don't ignore that playing in a band isn't a single life of "Rock'n'Roll All Night and Party Everyday." You will have to be ready to make serious sacrifices and often you will be forced to give up parties with family or friends, to be ready the next day for interviews, promotions of your work, booking shows and take care of your business.

I will never tire of telling you thatand at the beginning ofyour career NO one will take care of your band. Nowadays, NO has an interest in spending time (so money) with new levers.
The average career of a group is about seven years. In these sevenayears, he will beforced to give his best, counting on the other members as well. Long story short, it's going to be a kind of lottery. Either he goes, or he smashes it.

Believe me, this is not easy. There are successful bands, who over the years change their minds and would like to continue playing but devoting themselves to music only as a hobby. Unfortunately, it is not a game to change your life again and especially that of your fellow travelers, who over the years had convinced themselves that this would be their life and their future for many years.

So, do not build castles in the air without having prepared a program to follow scrupulously! In time, you will thank yourself for step by step in the right direction.

Tiziana

Chapter 3.1

CREATOR AND BUSINESSMAN

Dear ones, we open this important chapter asking ourselves why there are musicians who "make it" and others unfortunately do not, despite all the desire to arrive. I've been trying to find the formula that every musician should follow to get to the so-called SUCCESSO for more than 18 years.

Today, more than ever, there are countlessboarders like the undersigned who offer suggestions to struggling musicians, and sometimes you end up selling dreams from high-priced superstars. So what do we use it for, if we're only able to sell you fantasy?

Quite a problem, I asked myself a few questions about this phenomenon:
Why are there musicians who become famous, while other talented writers have never had the chance to have their music heard by a wide audience? What specific experiences do successful artists have, which others do not have? Is it charisma? Maybe it's something special that many artists seem to exude every moment they spend wandering around on stage?

Maybe it's a lot of money? That seems to be one of the things behind so many successful names, especially these days. This biz is increasingly surrounded by record labels owned by large multinational conglomerates that are behind many superstars. They can buy the hearts and thoughts of the audience, right?
Wrong!

So, I start by saying that nowadays no one is able to throw away their money, buying single songs or entire CDs's just because they are in the charts, without the samehaving nor a specific meaningfor them. 90% of the public give importance to texts (which fortunately are not always superficial or even as kindergarten children). So, to go back to the money, I'd say you could use it for good publicity, which in turn will make people decide whether or not to buy your music.

I think we should look at what it sells and what has happened from this point ofview; music satisfies the needs, needs and desires of a group of enthusiasts because they identify with it. He turns and turns the omelette, but the reason some musicians come and some don't, I think that's the way they write the songs. The lyrics are very important, they have to touch the hearts and minds of their fans.

Surely there will be another reason that keeps successful musicians separate from those who fail to connect with the audience. So what can it be?
Think, think about it, rummage through your Artist's mind and find the answer... There you are? №? Okay, sod't you or a little help. Ever heard of the Business savvy? In short, they are experienced people who, like angels, follow their artists, both publicly and privately, and without them in real knowing. These "special Angels" make the artist achieve success, and therefore, become a star, and over the years, remain so.

I bet inside you, you're saying to yourself: "Then it's not that hard to become a star. ” "You're probably thinking of finding a trusted person who does your job, in short, to put it briefly, a "Paperone Manager" with a lot of money, who takes you out of trouble when he needs to, and who spends his money building your future success as "First Woman." Listen to me! If everything were that simple, there would be no "loser musicians." Everyone can guess that in the past, things were simpler, although, you still had to find the right people who would make their time and of course their money available.

Nowadays, we live in a world that everyone thinks for themselves. Don't think that your manager or trusted person spends his money and time without getting anything in return. Yes, of course, what really matters in this business, are the contacts, which over the years you have created and gained with sweat. But, always look over your shoulder, so-called friends or good acquaintances are not always the ones with a or a capital C. To be honest, they're usually the ones who cheat on you at the first opportunity, without you noticing. Or they're the ones who sold you for a bunch of money, but in return they could personally collect a lot of money without your knowledge.

Tell me I'm telling bullshit!

There are no shortcuts to success! Never forget it .... As well, there is not enough room for all good Artists to be able to live on music alone, theirs to be exact. Thank goodness, there is a "toy" called the internet; an instrument that for better or for worse, everyone can take advantage of. Technology in downloading music, and then writing good songs, which, why not, can become hits, thanks to this fantastic toy, which connects your music directly with your fan. What a beautiful thing technology, isn't it?

In fact, there is no "ladder" to follow! That is, this business is so fraught with obstacles that it is almost impossible to list them all without forgetting. You can be sure of one thing. There is your conscience and commitment to writing songs, and before that, your total commitment to the music business.

Remember that this world of entertainment is a world of bucks but also of cents, whether you like it or not. But this does not mean that Art and Commerce can not walk hand in hand, indeed, they must do it.

I know musicians who can't accept a NO as an answer. They like to be in the foreground and if you don't think like them, you're essentially excluded from their world. They do not care, meanwhile they live in their musical nest, But as in the fairy tale of Cinderella, one day comes a businessman or woman completely inexperienced, and, as if by enchantment, listening to your music, they promise to take you to the high levels of the market; and you believe it, or worse, you fall like a mature pear! Increasingly these businessmen or women, are musicians, who in the past have been loser or even ripped off in turn by others who held their own office. I mean, let's talk about a chain reaction. Let us not disclose more than necessary. This is the case:

Future successful musicians will be:

Those who will be able to attract the right and true people to the world of entertainment, and who will work through the right channels, promoting your music with dedication and financial support. They will have to take on this responsibility, and realizing that no Artist has to sell thousands of copies of their music, to "make" some money.
You're going to have to put yours in it. Calling locals, be able to "cash in" bad reviews, and give your best on stage, even if you're tired or even sick... and promote your music, anytime, anywhere. These are the steps of a real entertainer, okay?

As a Queen song "Show must go on" says. They know that if any obstacle happens during the show, the show has to go on. This is how a real star has to think and act, or you never will be. When you're on stage, big or small, it doesn't matter, your mind and body have to think and act like a star. This is called adrenaline, and it's the only thing that gives you the strength to move forward, accepting a lot of same-day interviews, and all the other bullshit that has nothing to do with music, but that it's just music marketing. Don't give up, don't give up. Continue on this path and soon you will find yourself a star. When you're finally up, don't forget about the long time you're coming. Honor her professionally. Don't throw away your mental and physical health; and entramb and are very important to dedicate when writing your music. Take a few days off for your family, which you unfortunately don't see often, walking in a valley or on a beach. Nature is a great remedy for your mind, which will load up with new ideas for your new music. Being a famous musician is not a normal life. You will learn more about yourself and benefit from your talent.

One day you will look in the mirror and you will see a part of you, the creative one and the other part, that of the business. Here's what you've become...

A real STAR of yourself!
You Rock! (Love, Your Tizi)

Chapter 2.1

FACE THE TRUTH WHATEVER IT COSTS

Sometimes, when you’re ascending at your success, you will fight against arduous situation that will make you think about the choice of the right way.
Hold on and think about it, then think another time before make your choice. Don’t make hasty decision, you’ll be wrong, don’t destroy something that might be positive.

The TRUTH, unvarnished, is every time the right choice. Find it and take it close. Have you ever heard about (from) musicians or artists (which were) ripped off by the wrong way?Well, I thought that’s good to put some realistic and truthful statement that you must accept though you don’t like it. Then, don’t be angry with me because this statement are veritable, I’ve not invented it, this statement are simply the truth that might be settle during your musical career. Might be a good thing(It might be better) to know and learn those statement, not necessarily by heart, you can also make a list of it and read it when it will be useful.

STATEMENT #1. Certainly you have ever know from your parents this byword “Everything at right age”, this is the most suitable case of that phrase.
Why?
Because if you have more than 26 year old and you are just approaching this fascinating world, trying to found the way to make money with your music, I have only to tell you: “Welcome to hell”. It will not a piece of cake to find the right way that will get you to make a contract between you and a label.
Why I told this?
Just because labels know that musicians, between 15 and 25 years old, make a genre of music that attract much more people for this business. On the other hand for “old people”, they will be set aside, waiting for someone who approach it with a sake. Fortunately nowadays there are the possibility to self-publish their own recording with affordable costs without waiting for ages.

STATEMENT #2. If your music, isn’t what teenagers are listen to, yes I’m talking about commercial music already called “money-making”, don’t expect to make millions or to be on Top 10 for many weeks. Take it easy: You are almost lucky if you are in the last of these chart or the least of it. Don’t be angry with teen, they are searching every year to a new hit and when they found it they listen it like the star of the year;
This commercial entertainment goes like this: TAKE, USE AND WASTE IT.

STATEMENT #3. If you can’t bear the costs of your album, trust me, don’t exist free links or “Word of mouth” that will lead you to success.
It seems obvious; like you needed the money for recording, for the studies, their own equipment, mastering and production, so you'll need for the promotion and also for the shipping costs.
I am always dumb, especially today, to see the high number of musicians (which I have not met personally, but only virtually, by phone or e-mail), which are expected to receive positive results and maybe well funded for the their product, without sacrificing a penny for their promotion basic...RECEIVE AND RECEIVE, WITHOUT GIVING.
Always remember ... you're the writer of the songs, and then the sole owner. Do not wait for others to offer you money when you haven’t taken the first step to make the product already sold.

STATEMENT #4. Live Events: Stop playing like in the past. Protect yourself both legally and financially, through a contract signed by both parties that request in advance a deposit. This is not a castle far-fetched, but a reality, that will help you to cover early expenses related to the upcoming events.
Take it this way: You have to understand that if you do not put "in line" with the money.... you will continue to lose money and soon you will go in against financial disasters, and in any case would always be a risk of not being paid after your every performance.

Long story short, I have listed 4 points That can accept or reject, but That will remain TRUTH.
These will serve to orient you and support your career on the basis of the most successful. The acceptance of these truths immediately takes precedence. It 's time for you to change the helm and put the boat on the right path ... THE REAL WAY OF THE MUSIC BUSINESS.

Tiziana

Chapter 1.
MUSIC BUSINESS

Rent a recording studio is not a massive cost.
Anyone can find a room with affordable price, and come out with enough material to make a CD, right?

What is meant do with it? This is a great question that I'm going to answer below, waiting for your comments or questions relating to various points, in other words are the same ones that create music business.

I begin by saying that, "Making Music and the Living Your Music "is not the same thing, but the whole changes, when it comes to finding the economic way, resulting in the exposure of your product; only then can you begin to look forward to.

We open the first lesson.
Business is very reluctant in calling for new and "unknown" music. The so-called Music Businessmen prefer to finance top artists level to boost their finances. And then, what to do?

1. You have to make people aware of your music, creating product request, attracting the attention of all the people who matter in this business, and that control all areas of Access to expose new music, I'm talking about record labels, distributors, shops, the Agents of live performance, without forget the radio, TV and print. I know, seems easy, but isn’t true.
Remember, no one waits for no one, you must find the way to make these people interested in working with and for you. I assume since I have said that your intention to record your own music, was to find yourself in the hands of a record label. Well, but you have the right contacts and cash funds to distribute, promote, publicize your music and play it correctly in front of a public?
Too many artists and groups spend all their funds in the recording and then in the production of their music, without saving a part of it to promote it at the appropriate time.

2. The music world has two sides. There is the creativity of the composer and rehearsals to play this music in a perfect way, and the side of the live events, always if you want that people listen to your music ... the music business.

3.To start hold as long as possible, the control of your music, your sales and the promotion of the CD.
Unfortunately, I know many people, who among other things, they pass off as Agents, which contact with you, promising to sign in a few days with a label, which in turn the same make your band famous.
Do not believe the Music Business is easy like that.... Indeed, unfortunately in this world, we are “surrounded by sharks” who in order to achieve success, do anything, and I'm sure you know to what I mean. The real point is that nowadays there are so many bands who are saying "In the coming days will sign with a label. "

Do not forget a very important thing:

- The musicians who are worried about money, before you even know how work this business; will be condemned to misery eternal and frustration.

I do not understand how one can speak of a possible success, not realizing that it is just beginning ... I mean it's like putting the cart before the horse. Remember, before anything there is music, and then below there are some questions that will you do to yourself, inherent in this business.

Here are some important:

What is a copyright?
What is the role of a publisher?
What happens when you sign with a label?
Why we pay it?
What is a royalty?

These are the first questions that your mind should be considered before to recording and producing a Cd.
But, I would like to bring other important questions that you should consider in order to attract right people, close to your music. I will not answer the questions posed, and that will put the followed. I want to see if you can replicate without ask for my help. If my behavior, what I'm writing in this article, I seem arrogant, then do not you understand nothing. Sometimes it can and will happen it may seem hard, do not beat yourself up, and just try to warn you of what can go against if you do not learn the basics of Music Business. I like to eat the cake and not turn it them around. In a nutshell, I like to be frank and sincere. I'm sure, one day; you will remember my words...I know, it's hard to achieve success, but you have make an examination of conscience, and ask you if you want really fight to compete in this business, or just keep playing like a pleasure or like a hobby.

Let's go on with the questions, which will help you organize things that need to be done:

They are:

How should it be designed the CD cover?
What information should be printed within the product?
Should I sell my music during my shows?
What do I require the distributor to advertise my music?
At what price should I sell my CDs?
My music will play on the radio?
How does the radio to choose the music?
What could the media talk about my music?
In what clubs I play?

For the moment, I would say that enough, I could list other thousand questions, but let's start with small steps.

After 25 years of supporting musicians, responding to their various issues, my library is crowded with demos, LPs CDs ... All good music, but this is the drama ... It is only GOOD music, which, unfortunately, Music Business is overcrowded by the same ...Each day out + of new 1000 groups / Artists, and then the labels are forced to invest only in excellent MUSIC, to get a sale positive. Try to find the answers to all the questions that I posed above, and if you really care about your music and you're sure to get a good feedback, then, do not stop , go ahead, Protect your songs preparing them for the business.

Tiziana