Tips for an Unsigned Musician PlanWriten by Andy Hughes
Tips For Music Plan of Action If you an unsigned musician at any stage of your career, its really going to help you to plan things out, so here I have out together a crash course for a music plan, getting started as a soloist or a band, it can be pretty blinding to know what to do next, I think its really important to have a plan, and keep in mind the bigger picture..
So youre main objective, it could be record deal, it could be get a gig, it depends where youre at. The Idea is read this, and it will hopefully give you a crash course to write youre own music plan.
Initial steps (things you should think about first)
Write a plan
List out all possible music opportunities i.e. Addresses and companies in the local area, Record all Name, Address Contact and Phone Numbers
Research internet resources
Build a Proper Website please see for tips http://1979blues.googlepages.com
Advertise
Get a recording
Plan Covering Letter
Write a band biog
Your going to need a really well written Email or cover letter, ready for when you approach venues, radio stations and record companies,
Here is an example of the type of email I have used in the past:
Hi
My name is Andy, i am contacting you because i am looking to see if you can help me bring my music to a wider audience, I am a soloist, guitar and vocals, if you like the sound of Tom Waits, Nick Drake, and the Beatles, mixed with Nirvana unplugged, then you'll more than likely enjoy my tunes.
Please if you could find some time, maybe ten to fifteen minute to see what i am all about, i have some Music hosted on my website www.bleedinghands.com Promise Land, Some Day and Katie are possibly the best examples of what i can do, any feedback on the site or the music is always appreciated.
I was hoping you may be able to provide me with ideas, or with any potential opportunities to be heard? i have already made a large amount of progress, playing live on Silk FM and soon ALLFM, Ive been reviewed numerous times, including by the BBC Manchester, and my gig history speaks volumes of my ability, including playing some of Manchesters most prestigious venues including, Night and Day Cafe and Dry Bar, Ive played in Nottingham, London and Liverpool, and around the UK, last year i had a mini tour of Poland. All of which i have organised myself.
Please could you let me know if it is possible for you to assist me in someway, your professional opinion is extremely valuable, and if you could tell me the best way to get in touch, or if possible recommend anyone that may be able to help me? and possibly forward this email to them instead?
Many thanks and i hope to hear from you soon....
Regards
Andy
Some Basic things to think about
Forming A band (for none solo artists)
Create a Posters advertising for band members Think about the Initial meeting, Where, and what do you need to find out about them 1) What Music they are currently into. What bands have they been in before Who are they? What they want to do, ambitions, how often the can practice?
For solo artists and Bands
Its a good idea to consider your approach, who are your influences, etc, youll get asked this a lot, here are some initial things to think about:
Visual image i.e. Wearing Sunglasses?? Or no shoes
Define your approach, Blues Folk Approach Think Beth Orton, Tim Buckley, Dylan, Bragg
Asses you strengths
These could include, Cord Patterns, Blues licks, Short riffs, Lyrical content, Stage presence, Friendly attitude, not up myself, real, Audience communication
Next consider the things that will make you different from your competition?
This could include things like, Style Pop/Rock songs, Honesty, Own songs/covers, Lyrics, Chord Sequences
Then break down you act, you need 3 words to describe you act e.g. Blues, Smiths, Ashcroft maybe. Stylish, Melodic, simple
Writing Songs
Here are some pointers you might wish to consider when thinking about writing or composing songs, this will help you to become more dynamic. Rhythm
Slow- Fast Movement with power of song
Mood
Movement Dynamic
Overall just be your self, dont try to emulate, but empathise, music is a personal experience, if you want to get more out of it, put more in.
Why become a musician? Here are some starter reasons
Artistic acclaim
Spread Vibe
Because I can
Think about what restrictions you may have and how to overcome these challenges. Budget is usually the main one.
How to choose and effective Set lists
Practice and record various set lists once you have decided on/written your songs Record Various Sets at 30 60 90 mins, and listen back, see how they sound, which songs work together, (these dont yet need to be studio recordings)
One way to test how well songs go is to use media player, make up play lists including the different songs you have recorded At any point you may be usually asked to play, 30 minutes, 60 Minutes, or 2*45 minutes Prepare and rehearse before accepting work Always ask about expected playtime!!
An Effective set should include some of the following elements
Contrast + Shape
Loud- Quiet
Fast Slow
Rhythmic Melodic
Dense Sparse
Relaxed Tense
Serious Humorous
1st song Impact + confident about playing
Build up set to a climax point of the way through then final number can be more intimate or sing along save quieter numbers for later. If not enough of own songs do covers. Always have an encore in mind can repeat first number repeat what audience enjoys
Advertising
Things to think about
Press releases
Forth-coming engagements gigs
Recording sessions
Record releases
General news and gossip about the act
Brief band biography
Economic clear and entertaining
Sending your Demo
CD is cheapest 3 best songs (possibly your favourites) Display contrast + Professionalism Opening first song must make impact style and character
Before recording in a studio meet the engineer, play him rehearsal tape of song to help set up...
Think about designing an eye catching CD cover Name and number on both!!!
Reasons your demo may be rejected:
1. No Contact Information (name, address, email, and phone number on both CD and Case)
2. Lack of Originality
3. The Music Is Good, But The Artist Doesn't Play Live
4. Poorly Recorded Material (if the world is going to hear your music, make sure its a decent recording)
5. Best songs are not identified (send only 3 or 4 songs and highlight the best ones)
6. Sending Videos Keep it simple!
7. Sending Unsolicited Recordings Check first before you waste money sending CDs that people dont ask for!
8. Sending The Wrong Music To The Wrong Label - do your research to find out what the venue/label you approach is interested in
9. Musicians Can't Play Practice harder!!!
10. The Music Shite
How to write your Bio
Before you begin to write the bio, be sure you have aken an inventory of your background, accomplishments, goals, and objectives as a musician, and remember who you are writing the Bio for: A&R Reps at Record Labels, Media Contacts, Booking Agents, and Management Contacts. These professionals in the music business are busy individuals, who may deal with dozens of wanna-be's every week, so make your bio informative, upbeat, and filled with useful comments, descriptions, quotes, and motivational language that can make them want to listen to your music, and help you on your musical way. When you are ready to rock nroll, writing the Bio using this outline can keep you focused and organized.
1st Paragraph: Start with an introductory sentence that clearly defines the essential band/artist name, your specific genre of music, where you are from, and perhaps a positive quote about your music from a contact you have made in the music business.
2nd Paragraph: This section should address the immediate purpose of the Bio. What are you doing at this time? Mention a current activity you are involved with. If a new CD or Tape is coming out, that should be the main topic of the first sentence of the second paragraph. In other word, a reason why the Bio has been written should be clearly stated early on. Hints about any promotional activities that will be occurring to support the CD/Tape is also useful in this paragraph.
3rd and 4th Paragraph: At this point, information on any other band members can be introduced, and background information on the forming of the group, past experience, accomplishments, and recognition issues can be addressed. If you have developed a plan for your career path, additional paragraphs elaborating on this type of can be written, that demonstrate how your current project is part of a larger career development plan.
Ending: As stated earlier, the Bio should not waste words. For a new artist 1 page is sufficient to get the job done. For more experienced artists, a page and a half to two pages should be the maximum length. So, ending the Bio in an efficient way should be the aim; use another quote from a gatekeeper who supports the artist, or summarize the 2nd paragraph information, reminding the reader of current activities.
Misc things to remember
Need a roadie to help set up gigs
Must be familiar with material and control on stage sound levels
Location Time
Access when to arrive and set up
Address type of music expected
Merchandising supplement gigs by selling T-Shirts Badges or cassettes
PA is there a house PA small venue 100-200
Large 500 2000K
Wardrobe Simple but striking additions to normal clothes
Finding Work
Approach friends and contacts
Beg to play
Mail shot Marketing pack to all local venues
Mention if have lots of friends
Follow up with a phone call or personal visit
Take note of names to target and build up a rapport
Accept any criticisms constructively
Invest a great deal of effort with little reward
Patience and Perseverance will reap rewards eventually
Undertake early work for little or no reward training
Pay to play Avoid like the plague!
Publicity packs should include
Demo Tape
CV
Reviews
Flyers
Posters
Introductory letter
Badges? Key Fobs? Beer mats?
Create a database of possible venues within reasonable travelling distance Address, Telephone and contact if possible.
A Final Reminder!
Record sets and listen back.
Keep all information for your website/bandspace
Get Some good Art Sorted
Proper Gigs
Try to Re-gig Place!!
Keep On Recording all the time..
Keep applying to radio, Record Labels Etc Post three best songs,, spread web address as much as possible.
Get your own Equipment!!
Reasons? - Personal Communication popularity artistic endeavour rebelliousness Restrictions? Budget/Equipment
Impact on Audience? Climax/Variety/Relevance
Stimulus?Every Day Events, Personal Experience Trends Literature
Politics Philosophy Humour Advice Fun
Set Standards be Ambitious but realistic
Start with idea rehearse and develop further
The main point is work hard, the internet is full of useful resources, for writing band bios, etc etc
Keep at it an youll get there in the end!
About the author
Hi I am Andy, Im an unsigned musician, and I have spent the last three months developing a website, as part of marketing and generating awareness about my work in the music industry. It as been a hard trail of lots of useful and lots of useless information. So I have tried to summarize the best things I learnt in an article, (which you have just read) Hopefully it was of use to you, and will save others that are following in my path time and energy when deciding how to develop content for a website.
Many thanks for reading
Andy
If you wish to visit the website discussed in this article, and see an example of how I have applied the above, then please visit http://www.bleedinghands.com or if you wish to comment on this article please contact me through my home page either at the aforementioned, http://www.myspace.com/bleedinghandshughes
Or by email: bleedinghands@gmail.com
More Music Related Sites : http://www.learntoplaydrum.com/