I have been using multiple blog search engines to target my efforts, but wanted to discuss a specific situation.
I came across tightmixblog.com and wanted to share this with everyone. Chris is the author of this blog and their are great tips on this site as well as some great indie bands on here that Chris has come across. Chris is also the author of the EBook, "How to really get your music on the blogs" which I read and has great advice that runs parallel to this chapter in the competition. I thought a lot of Chris's ideas were in line with Ariel Publicity and it turns out he actually used to work (or intern...can't remember) for Ariel. After reading his blog, I contacted him and we are in the beginning stages of Chris taking over my social media presence. I was really impressed with his quality of writing, insight and passion for indie music. I think this is the ultimate example of what Ariel is talking about in this chapter.... I read, reached out with sincerity and then developed a mutually beneficial situation. Everyone is happy.
Also on this front, I got Musicbailout.net to write an article on my music and as I mentioned last week the podcast (audio blog) Coverville recently featured on of my songs.
The most important thing that I am taking away from this is consistency and professionalism. I have always believed that if you treat venues and booking agents with respect (Show up on time, get on and off stage quick, etc.), treat people with kindness and sincerity and just act professional you will be way ahead of 95% of the bands out there. Just by following up and taking chances this is what I have accomplished in the last few weeks:
- Free Video Shoot scheduled for next week - I asked my network of anyone that knew of production companies that did good work. It turns out someone needed a band to shoot for their school project and they chose us out of the dozens of bands because we had a vision, the material and locations all ready to go.
- I am in negotiations with a Dubstep producer who I will not name yet to remix a Tommy Dubs song for my next release.
- I have musicians in Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Brooklyn and now Arizona all singing or playing parts on tracks for my upcoming album
- I secured 50% writing credit on a song that is in heavy rotation
- I have established articles, reviews and plays on blogs
- booked high profile gigs
- Increased my mailing list daily through shows and reverbnation widgets
- Contacted an established up-n-coming blogger about spearheading my social media efforts.
Nice, Tommy! This challenge is so great and sounds like it's really making a difference for you. I totally agree with the premise that establishing a solid presence in social media has to be more than self-promotion. You have to create real relationships and give your readers "added-value." It's more than "look at me! look at me!"
ReplyDeleteI learned a lot from Greg Pincus who writes about social media on his blog "The Happy Accident". Check it out: http://www.thehappyaccident.net/
And keep going! Can't wait to hear more.
Steph
GREAT blog post Tommy! I Agree with you when you say:
ReplyDeleteBloggers are in fact artists themselves and you have to stroke their ego to get any return attention. There are obviously exceptions to this, but for the vast majority... this holds true.
I think its the rare musician who actually doesn't think of them as "media" and now that you don't you will get more posts. I am roundly impressed with our success so far in my blog challenge. and as a HUGE Clash and Mano Chao fan I'm blastinyour music in my hotel room here in Rekayvik
Love,
Ariel
Tommy,
ReplyDeleteVery insightful post! Thank you!
I was really surprised at the reference of 95% of the bands not extending the professionalism and courtesy. I just played the Viper Room Lounge (Sunset Strip, Hollywood) last week and even though my fans were begging for another song, I was watching the clock and hurrying to do the tear down, out of respect for the next band. I thought that was the norm...
keep it coming,
-Deborah E
deborah.info