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Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Ask Arie Week 4
I notice there are tons of music festivals during the summer. I was thinking about signing up for a few, do you think this will be a good look?-JamesAbsolutely, for the most part participating in events such as music festivals can be very beneficial to unsigned artists. Especially, those [reputable/established] held annually. These events unlike your local bi-monthly neighborhood show cases have people worth networking with. [no disrespect, but let’s be real on the legitimacy and effectiveness of most "promoter" backed talent shows]
BUT, there are so many festivals out here; I highly suggest doing your due diligence aka homework first. It's important to review the requirements and statistics for each festival as they all differ from one and other. Some things to check:
1. The festival(s) have a category for your genre of music.
2. Level of experience each festival expects all entering participants to have.
3. Age restrictions (Some festivals are held in locations that may not allow anyone under 18 or 21 years of age)
4. FEES.... Many festivals have registration fees (Monies to be paid for participation)
5. Sponsors. Usually when events have big name/corporate sponsors it's a hint on the type of crowd the event may attract and possible event size.
These are just a few examples of what to look for.
With proper preparation, artists may use music festivals as their own mini tour [laughing] Seriously! Think about it, you save money on marketing (festivals have great marketing campaigns and once you’re on the upcoming roster, you become included in all the promo for that year's event). You travel the country introducing your music to new fans, and have the opportunity to network with people that may be influential in the advancement of your career etc. [IDK just a thought] the possibilities are endless. Anyways...
Here are a few of my top festival picks --- Good Luck and get moving!!!
A3c Festival (Atlanta)::Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival (New York)::Trinity International Hip Hop Festival (Connecticut)::Paid Dues Festival (San Bernandino, CA)::Portland Oregon Hip-Hop Festival (Portland, Oregon)::The Hip Hop Theatre Festival (Washington DC)::Manifesto Hip Hop Festival (Toronto, Canada):: Audiotistic Festival (San Bernardino, CA)::Cypress Hill Smokeout (San Bernardino, CA)::Hip Hop 360 – Canada Festival (Ottawa, Canada)::Rock the Bells (Los Angeles, CA)::Pitch Fork Music Festival (Chicago, IL)
Do you have a question for me or something you'd like to know? I’m here every week answering your questions. Send me an email: contactsaidarie@gmail.com and follow me on twitter at: www.twitter.com/leirapr_ceo
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Cash Money Records Recruits Dallas, TX Artist- Big Chief
Las Vegas, NV , February 16, 2011-- Cash Money Records CEO, Bryan "Birdman" Williams recruits local Dallas , TX artist Big Chief during a live radio broadcast. Cash Money Records CEO Bryan "Birdman" Williams announced during a visit to Dallas , TX radio station K104 FM Cash Money's search for the hottest hip hop artist in the city.
K104 FM air personality and A&R "Bay-Bay" introduced "Birdman" to Eat Greedy Music's "Big Chief," Dallas' largest, most highly anticipated up and coming artist. Shortly after the meeting Cash Money CEO Williams announced publicly his label's plans to sign Big Chief as the newest member of Cash Money. Cash Money and Big Chief teams are working out contract details; both sides expect Big Chief to join Cash Money Records in the very near future.
Big Chief: Wildly recognized in the Texas music community for the substance of his real world lyrics, story telling ability and catchy hooks. Chief, commonly known as an artist who controls his own success with the conception of the "Eat Greedy Movement" began to record and press numerous albums creating a catalogue of street classics themed the Eat Greedy Volumes. Through Chief's persistence, consistency and talent, he created his own market of loyal listeners, earning significant admiration and respect within the south's music community.
Today, Big Chief's audience precedes him. His reputation for the creation of instant street classics such as "When U Gone Let Me?", "Used To It", and "Check" ft. Slim Thug and Bobby Valentino and more have created strong anticipation for the next level in his career.
Cash Money Records: Founded by brothers Bryan "Birdman" Williams and Ronald "Slim" Williams. Today it operates as a subsidiary of Universal Motown Republic Group, and is distributed by Universal Motown Records.
"Ask Arie" Week 3
[laughing] Ghetto may be a little harsh. However, it is very important to approach people [especially if you don't know them] in a professional manner.
Let's slip on our common-sense fitted caps shall we….
In my opinion, the best way to approach people [media etc.] is to step into their shoes. Imagine being an editor or program director who receives 100's of emails a day, from talented people such as yourself looking to have their music posted or played. Now, imagine every other email is "Yo check my new sh*t out" or my personal favorite "You might wanna f*ck with me, I'm that n*gga"...
PAUSE followed by a [blank stare]
Oh and we definitely can't forget the random single link email. You know what I'm talking about. An email with just a link and no additional information. Really??? Let's be real your email and "hot sh*t" is going straight into the trash and you may now possibly be marked as SPAM.
My advice…. Keep it simple stupid! Sorry, I mean short and to the point. Here's a few pointers to help you look like you know what you're doing and be taken serious.
1. Dear Editor or Program Director [If you don't know the name of the person being contacted]
2. Introduce yourself and the reason for the email.
3. If you're promoting a project tell a little bit about it. [Keep it SHORT]
4. Enclose a "share" link (in the email body) avoid sending music as an attachment, unless requested. This keeps things all in one neat presentation.
Plus most outlets prefer this format.
5. Leave your contact information.
6. Thank the receiver for taking the time to read your email.
7. Sign "Sincerely, _____________" <------ place your name here
8. SPELL CHECK
9. Press send
There are never any guarantees in public relations, but one thing I know for sure. Following these steps will get your foot in the "door", email acknowledged and possibly the coverage you're seeking. -- Let me know how you make out!
Do you have a question for me or something you'd like to know? I'm here every week answering your emails on industry how-to's and important Do's and Don'ts. Send me an email: contactsaidarie@gmail.com and follow me on twitter at: www.twitter.com/leirapr_ceo
Monday, February 14, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
'Signs' by Melo Kan
The release of his highly anticipated project E.P.U catapulted Melo to the forefront of the underground rap scene, winning him the 2008 Independent Music Awards Rap/Hip Hop Viewers choice "Album of the Year"; introducing the MC to a new fan base and mix tape repertoire.
Looking to follow up the success of 2008, Melo will follow E.P.U with the highly anticipated LP, "The Heart of the City", slated to release Summer 2011. This new album promises to be Melo Kan's most impressive accompanied by production from industry renowned THX.
Listen to 'Signs' by Melo Kan
http://bln.kr/10JV/
"Ask Arie" Week Two
Yo Arie, I've been pushing my music to local DJs in my city. It's been somewhat helpful but now I feel like I'm beginning to spin my wheels. Would you suggest I start contacting DJs nationally? - Mike
Ummm yeah Mike you think?! [giggles] As an indie artist you NEVER miss an opportunity to network with people as influential as DJs, NO MATTER where they are. You should've been Z-sharing, send spacing (or what ever those file sharing services are called) distant DJs from day one. It never hurts searching for new outlets while building your local fan base and network.
Just remember it's very important to avoid spamming; especially if you're fortunate to link with DJs that actually have the clout to help introduce you to the masses via their mix-tapes, blogs, radio mixes and so on.
So get networking, start compiling a detailed list of DJs [I recommend excel or other spreadsheet format for easy organization] and it's important to make sure the DJs you're contacting are spinning, scratching and Serato-ing, in whatever genre of music you spit, rap, sing or mine. It would be totally pointless to submit a hip hop track to a rock DJ that specializes in techno..... [laughing] Yeah, doing that would make just as much sense as that last sentence. - Best of luck!
Do you have a question for me or something you'd like to know? I'm here every week answering your emails on industry how-to's and important Do's and Don'ts. Send me an email:contactsaidarie@gmail.com and follow me on twitter at: www.twitter.com/leirapr_ceo
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Behind The Scenes Of "She Gotta Be" - Lil Moe, Jerz, & Lyric
The artist known as Jerz if you can remember was in the bubble shake magazine a while back with his smash hit f**** them all. these days Jerz is doing a lot more video's and recording more songs for his next mix tape dropping soon. jerz will also be on "KANTEEN CAROLINA COMMISSARY" by DJ sojarealz Feb 15th stay tuned.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Drake to perform at sold out concert in San Manuel
Drake, real name Aubrey Drake Graham, will take to the stage Thursday for a sold-out concert at San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino.
Doors for the performance open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets still are available from online resellers.
Drake's debut album "Thank Me Later" reached No. 1 on the Billboard charts in 2010 with the singles "Over," "Find Your Love," "Miss Me" featuring Lil Wayne and "Fancy" featuring T.I. and Swizz Beatz, all charting on radio.
In 2009, his mixtape "So Far Gone," which later was released as an album in a shorter form, featured the hit singles "Best I Ever Had" and "Successful" with Trey Songz and Lil Wayne.
Jim Jones & Dip Sett Is Back Together
But the 34-year-old veteran still feels he's at his best when he's with his musical brothers.
"Just being back in their presence, the energy is incredible. There’s no feeling like it," said Jones, who will be working again with Cam'ron and Juelz Santana at Wednesday's much--anticipated Diplomats reunion show at the Wilbur Theatre.
READ MORE: http://ow.ly/3RLQJ
Thursday, February 3, 2011
"Ask Arie" online media outlets that cater to independent talent.
Hell yes! Blogging is very important and is the easiest way to keep your fans & potential followers up to date. Truth be told the public has a short online attention span, clicking from point A to point B and so on. Every link clicked leads to a million different sites, leaving artists lost in the mix. By creating a space that integrates all of your social media (Twitter, Myspace, Facebook, Four Square etc.), videos, photos and latest media coverage you are keeping the attention on you where it belongs. The power of "The blog".
Tips for effective blogging:
1. Stay consistent! Your blog should be updated as much as possible; a bare minimum of once a week. If an artist or band is truly working on reaching mainstream acclaim there should always be something to update.
2. Be entertaining as well as informative. You can be very talented, but if your blog is drab or boring people will loose interest and keep it moving; totally defeating the purpose of having the blog in the first place.
3. No one expects you to be a walking dictionary. However, I can't express the IMPORTANCE of proof reading and spell checking your work. Don't assume everyone knows what you "mean" or knows your tone/ demeanor. These two steps are very important, especially if you want to be taken seriously. The appearance of any level of ignorance can and will hinder that.
4. If done the right way your blog can bring your independent ass some much needed revenue (dinero,doe, money, cold hard cash). For real, if your blog builds up enough traffic with people interested in what you having going on, that can open lanes for you to charge local and even national companies to advertise on your blog - just a thought.
The reality is, no one's going to give your talent the full coverage it deserves like YOU. So get up, get proactive and get blogging! Plus it's free, how's it get better then that?! Check out these sites for great FREE blog templates: Blogger, Tumblr and WordPress.
Good luck!
Do you have a question for me or something you'd like to know? I'm here every week answering your emails on industry how-to's and important Do's and Don'ts. Send me an email: contactsaidarie@gmail.com and follow me on twitter at: www.twitter.com/leirapr_ceo
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