Reader's Letters: Q&A

Common questions; unconventional answers... by Tom Leu, "The Rock Czar"

Question: Good morning Mr. Leu. I am an upcoming artist who is trying to enter the music industry. I have been doing a lot of research and studying the lessons taught about getting into "the game". I just feel the only problem is that I do not know the proper way to meet beneficial people in the field of music I am trying to pursue. I have read and understand most material has to be solicited, but how can I create my material to be known as solicited if I do not know anybody? Just one of the many questions I have, and if you do respond I do appreciate it. Thanks for your time.

 - Jeff

Answer: Hello Jeff, thanks for writing… Big subject you’re asking about. The short answer is: you need to put yourself into situations and places where key people in the music business will be. Those relationships you form is how new artists get “solicited” status when submitting their music. The movers and shakers in the music biz hang at places like music tradeshows (NAMM), conferences & seminars (South by Southwest, IMC), performing rights meetings (ASCAP/BMI), radio station events, and songwriter organization functions (TAXI.com, songwriter associations), etc. Sounds like a lot of work doesn’t it? It is.

You need to start researching all of these, and other music business-related events on the Internet, and find the ones meeting in your area this year. Then you need to register to attend, get your artist profile information and music together (along with a completely current and functional website), and literally get yourself into the game. To “know people,” you have to begin shaking hands with the right people at the right times, and meeting anyone and everyone who can assist you in your music pursuits. “Put yourself in opportunity’s way and you’ll be amazed at how lucky you can really be.”

Few bands and artists actually do what I’ve just described. But it’s that kind of dedication and hard work that separates the hopefuls from heavyweights; the fledgling from the phenomenon's. Good luck!

Question: I need a producer or promotor to help me into the record biz or they won't take my material. Can you please help. Thank you.

 - Demetrius, aka D-tryp

Answer: Demetrius, the first thing you probably need to do is to educate yourself on how the record biz works.  There’s a lot more to it than meets the eye or just getting a producer/promoter.  Promoters won’t take you until you’ve got something to promote.  Do you have a website with mp3’s of your music?  Send me a link.

Question: Hello, I found a blog entry written by you, stating that 'research shows that 75% of independent music sales come from the stage, or before or after a show'... Can you help me find that research? I like this statistic, and need a source for it. Thanks,

 - Chris Trahey, Cannonball Studios

Answer: Chris, thanks for writing. The research I am referring to in my article, and the statistic stated, was culled from my 20+ years experience as a gigging musician selling my indie music at live shows all over the Midwest. It is also from my exposure to numerous other musicians, bands, and music consultants at national music conferences where I speak on panels, who have conferred that they sell at least "three-fourths or more" of their merchandise 'from the stage' at live shows. The “research” source then is real-life out-on-the-street bands and artists playing music for the people at clubs all over the United States. Not from some industry guy telling me the way it is from behind a mahogany desk in some ivory tower somewhere...

Question: I wonder if you can give me any advice on a question/concern I have.  I am working on getting some work with some local studios here near Detroit.  I am in the process of making up my demo CD.  I am a drummer.  My question/concern is regarding what I should expect to get paid starting out?  Obviously the pay will differ depending on what is needed.  Let's say I would be playing for a commercial jingle or a single song that an artist might need drum tracks for.  Considering that I can do what the artists or studios need me to do, can you give me an idea of what you would consider a normal pay per session or project?

 - Morris Hadden

Answer: Morris, check at your local music stores and/or online for the union rates for session drummers in your area.  It varies from area to area I believe.  Of course you have to go through some hoop jumping to get into the right “circles” to even get considered as a session player.  Most cities and towns have a network of people that play, that everyone knows.  If you aren’t in that crowd yet, you need to find out where they hang out and get plugged in.  They would also be the best sources to find out the details of the hourly or project pay for commercial jingles, etc.  I would definitely have a demo CD with you at all times and be available at a moment's notice and possibly be willing to accept lower than union scale in the beginning simply to score gigs and build your resume that ultimately you'll be able to use to get yourself more gigs in the future.

Question: I was in a band in 94' I won RAMI Awards and sang at the waterfront we won best of on the waterfront. I quit in 98' I have been singing for GOD ever since I would like to get back in a band, but I dont know where to start. I go to a small church where im a worship leader theres just not many musicians. If I put an add would that be a good idea?

Answer: Rosemary, thanks for writing. Putting ads in many area churches would be a good place to start. Be real specific about what you're trying to accomplish and what type of musicians/people you are looking for. You should also get out to other church functions/concerts in this area and network to meet other musicians. Meeting people face to face and shaking hands is still THE best way to make contacts and connections to use for future endeavors.

Question: Regarding a recent purchase of "20 Musician's Mistakes: - The advertisement led me to believe that you would tell me 'who the players are' or at least what it is that you are talking about, 'knowing who the players are and where they are.  But then I downloaded what you had and it's just another clue.  Do you have anything besides a point in a direction?

 - Joey Thomas

Answer: Joey, very sorry for your confusion… but now I am confused…

The actual text for the 20 Musician’s Mistakes product talks about avoiding common, yet often-overlooked traps that many musicians make, but are unwilling to honestly look at. It doesn’t say anything about identifying specific players or their locations…? How would I or anyone know that when I don’t even know where you live? This is an informational product designed to get people to think about their current circumstances and make the necessary changes and adjustments to build momentum for success in music. More than just clues, it lists specific things to do and not do while building a music career.

All how-to informational products point us in directions that we may or may not be aware of.  The key though, is following through and taking action on the specific areas where improvements are identified and necessary. Specifics related to an individual’s local and regional market, available players, key clubs and venues, etc. is up to you to locate, contact and execute relationships that further your music career.

Question: Hello, we read your article on the difference between solicited & unsolicited music-very helpful!:) We had another question-how do you find out whether or not a record label is legit or not?

 - Caroline & Phil, Soul Connected

Answer: Thanks for the feedback. About the record labels... The answer is RESEARCH.  Old fashioned research of their business, who the major players are, past and current clients, etc. Check websites, make phone calls, and do your homework. Wish it was a more exciting answer, but it is what it is.  All the best to you!

Question: I am secretary of the Christian Fellowship Band, an adult unpaid volunteer "community" 35-piece Rockford-based concert band with a Christian ministry. I am doing some research on the required relationships we should have with AFM, ASCAP and BMI. I have talked to Bill Johnson, president of the local AFM240, and an ASCAP rep, and have looked at BMI web pages, and by now I am totally confused as to what our responsibilities should be to the professional performing musician and to music owner and to the concert producer. Any words of wisdom for me?

 - Karl Burdick

Answer: Karl, thanks for writing. As far as ASCAP and BMI, researching each prospective website to uncover the details of each organization is unfortunately, a necessity. They both are reputable organizations with responsibility to paying songwriters and artists performance royalties for broadcasting primarily concerning radio airplay. If your music isn't being broadcast on radio at this time, these performing rights organizations are inconsequential right now.

Question: Hi Tom, my name is Shannon Love and I am a 28 y/o female vocalist from Rockford, IL.  I am writing hoping that you will be able to help me.  I have been putting out the feelers around our area to find talented musicians and songwriters to work with.  I am interested in putting together a project that would fuse rock (not hardcore), blues and a little R&B.  Those that have been honest have flat out told me that since Rockford is such a male dominated local music market, that I am going to be hard pressed to find males to agree to let a woman front their band.  When I asked why, I was told that inevitably a woman in the band will get involved with one of the guys (or more) in the band and cause chaos.  I appreciate the honesty, but the concept makes me sick.  

I am looking long term for a recording contract, a career, not just some jam session or “roll around in the sack” type experience.  Any leads that you may be able to provide me on finding serious, talented musicians looking to start a band/project as detailed above would be most appreciated.  

Thank you very much for your time and attention and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
 - Shannon Love

Answer: Thanks for writing Shannon.  Fortunately, not all of us band guys think that women singers/musicians are only good for a “roll in the sack.”  I am acquainted with several very talented women that should be heard and seen.  I will keep my ears to the ground for you as I do know a lot of the musicians and bands in this area.

If you have a website or promo material/recordings of yourself I'd love to hear and see it.  I'd be better suited to help you if I know what you sound like and are all about.  I have many resources designed for local and regional musicians readily available.  Keep in touch. 

Question: Hey, I read your column every week at work, and it's pretty interesting and informative.  I just have a question, or more I just need advice.  I am an 18 yr old female and I am trying to hook up with a band or to create one. I put ads in the Rock River times, Register Star, online, and at Guzzardos.  And I usually end up empty handed.  I just get guys over 40 who wanna do metal or wanna do cover songs of John Denver or Hank Williams.  I don't mind John Denver, he's rocking but I hate non-melodic metal!!!! 

I wanna do alternative rock, on the lines of Everclear, Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Pixies....Am I being close-minded?  Am I trying too hard?  I go to school and I ask around and they all are either in a so-called "cool" band already or are too self-righteous to start one.  Do you know any safe methods of finding other band mates in Rockford, IL?  Or is Rockford just dead in that way?  Well thanks for your time.  I hope you know. Good day to you.

Answer: My advice to you regarding "finding" some potential band mates is to continue doing what you're doing but do it differently, AND do more.  Any advertisements at music stores or in newspapers, etc. need to be compelling and interesting.  I've seen the majority of band classifieds out there and many look like somebody wrote them with a crayon in 2 minutes asking for "serious inquiries only" (actually that is a great ironic marketing idea).  Perception is reality.  If you really want to attract some interest in anything you're doing, you better be coming off as a professional with something to offer.  

You may be on the right track, but if your only bites so far have been off the mark, then you ought to adjust you're approach.  We all buy things that we really want, and are convinced we need.  We don’t always necessarily NEED them, but WANT them.  If we want something bad enough, we will find a way to get it.  Advertise yourself and your ideas to create an excitement that people cannot ignore.  Spell out exactly what you're looking for (kind of like you did in your note to me) and wrap it up in a package that says, "I'm for real" and "You don't want to miss out on this."  How you exactly do that will be up to you and your personality mixed with your creativity.  There is no such thing as trying too hard. 

There are no "safe" methods and Rockford is not dead.  Rockford is no different in this regard than other Anytowns, USA.  The reality is that what you're trying to do is not easy.   The fact that you wrote me and asked the question tells me that you're someone with drive and ambition.  You'll need plenty of these in the music business.  Use those same qualities to get people's attention possibly at other schools or at gigs of other bands that you know.  Networking is the key to any endeavor.  All the best.

Here is an interesting installment of a Musician’s Corner Reader’s Letters that came to me a few years back, but I thought it worthwhile to post now.  Look for the underlying theme of the questions/statements from the 3^rd party person asking the questions, and then read my response below.  I think you’ll find this very interesting. 

The set up is as follows:  My band’s lawyer contacted an established band from our region and asked them questions on our behalf and for some help and assistance pertaining to our recent signing with a management company and possible record deal.  Here is how it went… The names have been changed to protect the guilty…

Question: Hi Tom,

Well I talked to the guy from Band #1; his name is “Diamond Dave.”

He had some suggestions and he says Management Company #1 is not doing their job in his opinion.

He is kind of cocky, and full of himself but probably a good contact (I told him you guys didn't know of them and he said “well if they don't know who we are, [they] are not in City #1 and that’s not good.”  Anybody in City #1 knows of Band #1.  I said “well this is City #2 and everyone here knows of Band #2.”)

They [Band #1] are playing in different states.

In his opinion you guys should be playing in City #1, signed up with Soundsource and BDS.  Your management should have been taking care of this.  He says any record company is going to look at three things, which you probably already know:  1. Are you selling CD's?  2.  Are you getting any airplay on any radio at any level?  3. Does anyone in the City #1 area, LA area, or NY area know who you are?  Whatever your local reputation is in City #2 could be okay, but City #1 would be better.

He says Record Label #1 is bad news.  He did not elaborate.

He would be more than happy to talk with you.  I said that I would give you his e-mail address.

He asked if you knew the guys from Band #3.  I said yes.  He also asked if he could see your press kit and have a CD.  I said I'd ask.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

Answer: Thanks for talking to him for us...here are a couple of points in reply:

#1  I have "heard" of them, that doesn't mean anything...I've also heard of many bands from Southern California, Austin, TX, and Phoenix, AZ as well.

#2  Being in NY, LA, or Nashville (not City #1) means something to the music industry...City #1 bands have an overblown view of their position in the food chain.  More important than where you’re from is how much business you do.

#3  We've played in City #1 and the suburbs many, many times.  No real scene there that anyone cares much about (from the industry point-of-view). 

#4  Getting radio airplay, CD sales, and a "buzz" can happen from any geo-location.  Midwest, Southeast, Pacific Northwest, etc. is a minor-issue from a record label’s standpoint.  The question is IF, not WHERE at this level.

#5  Can't say as I've ever seen or heard Band #1’s music anywhere, and we live just 90 minutes away.  Explain that one?

#6  “Diamond Dave” needs to elaborate on why Record Label #1 is bad news.  Does he have personal experience with them?  Does he have reputable and valid information from reliable sources?  Opinions without support are no good to anyone.

#7  We've played several shows with Band #3.  He's heard of them because they tour with Dad's group.  Great band, what's the point of bringing them up?

#8  As far as touring in other states goes...that's great if you're making money.  In order to do that three things need to be in place…the gigs, the distribution, and the radio.  People need to be able to buy your CD's before AND after you play there from the area retail outlets.  You also need to be getting spins on local radio to support your efforts.  If they are doing all of that then I want know who their distribution avenue is and the booking agencies they work with.  I also want to know the radio tracker they are using and how much that is costing them and what type/size of markets they are getting played on.

I may contact him down the road, but it is unlikely.  His attitude seems to be one of competition rather than of assistance, hence the tone of his comments & answers to your questions.  He effectively burned a bridge with another area band that could have helped them out.  I'm sure they are a great band.  But great bands with bad attitudes are a dime a dozen...

Question: So what’s a good Christian band to do? We’ve practiced, we’ve prepared, and we’ve prayed. Folks have heard the band play in [our area of] Bruceton, Hollow Rock, and in Huntingdon. Folks have heard the band in Murray (twice), and Shelbyville. We’ve played for a couple fairly large crowds (Huntingdon), and some fairly small crowds (Murray). Although we obviously aren’t going to be rich and famous contemporary Christian music stars, some folks have expressed that we are pretty good, and look forward to having us back. And yet, there must be something more. There must be something else.

Surely there are some other venues in West Tennessee and the surrounding areas that we either don’t know about, or we can encourage having us play one time. Where are the youth centers? Where are the Christian retreats? Where are the college religious activities? Where are the family life centers? Why does it seem like the only thing left to do is to sponsor our own event? If you know of any place that would enjoy having a good Christian band come play, please call or email.

Does anyone have any ideas? Talk to us, we will do whatever it takes!

 - Caleb's Hill

Answer: Thanks for writing guys. The long and short of it is: the only way to accomplish what you're describing is really being willing and able to do the hard work, homework, and research necessary to find opportunities for your music, that most other artists and groups are too proud or lazy to do. These business, marketing and promotion efforts have little to do with jamming or writing songs but everything to do with intelligently marketing and branding your music for immediate and long-term survival and eventual “success” as musicians.

For over an hour of Tom Leu's music promotion and marketing strategies to get your music heard, check out the audio book here: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/tomleu

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Tom Leu is an author, speaker, musician, and media personality from Rockford, IL.  Tom's RockStar Way™ and Musician's Corner® motivational resources and live presentations blend the insights of teacher with the encouragement of a coach delivering electric inspiration that empowers potential!  Blog: www.RockStarWay.com