This is an excerpt from our e-book Online Grind, Hip Hop Directory

Some artists will never know why they aren’t getting their music submissions accepted, or why they never receive a reply. A large percentage of them make some very avoidable mistakes. After running a blog for over 3 years, these seem to be the most common…

1. Bad Subject Headings:

Artists, when sending music via email, often put very bad titles into the subject heading of their messages. If you haven’t established a personal relationship with the recipient, a simple subject heading like “music submission” is usually enough to tell the receiver what the nature of the email is.

Subject headings like. “CHECK THIS OUT!!” or “NEW RELEASE” mean nothing to a recipient who doesn’t know who you are.

2. Social Media Stalking:

Some artists, when trying to get their music posted on a blog or recognized by a DJ will try to push their music to the blogger or DJ via Twitter or Facebook. Sending unrequested links over Twitter or aggressively posting to someone’s Facebook wall without permission will do more to leave a negative image of you than a positive one. Trust me, most recipients of this kind of promotion find it extremely annoying. Establish a relationship first before you try to force your music on others.

3. Not Following Directions:

Bloggers and Internet radio stations often have instructions posted on their sites with details explaining how they want music submitted to them. Most bloggers will say that well over 50% of their submissions don’t get posted because they fail to follow the simple directions given to them. When these directions aren’t followed, the recipient usually won’t even take the time to listen to the music that has been submitted.

4.  Sending Large Files:

Artists sometime send large files to recipients who have not requested them. These links are usually zip files that contain songs of an entire album. Most people will not take the time to download these and then go through the process of trying to pick a song among them to post or put into rotation.

Make the submission process as easy as possible for the person on the other end. Choose your best single, a pic and a link to your website or any additional source of information.

5. Bad Photos

You don’t have to spend a fortune on a photo shoot, but make sure that the photo you send along with your music is one that displays that you are serious about your craft. Too often, I receive crappy photos from artists when they submit music.

If the pic looks crappy, and was taken in your kitchen, you won’t get a post. I won’t even listen to the music and most other bloggers feel the same way I do about this. Your first impression is very important and there are lot of other

rappers out there competing for exposure. Don’t be overlooked because of small mistakes you can easily avoid.

6. Email Blasts

Putting your submission contacts on your email blast list decreases the chances that you’ll get posted. They just appear to be spam from the recipient’s point of view. Take time out to send your emails individually to your contacts and if possible, address them to a person. The more personal your email, the better your chances are of making a personal connection.

Another terrible habit associated with sending email blasts is sending one that exposes the email addresses of all the recipients of your message. When sending one message to multiple contacts, use the bcc (blind carbon copy)function to hide all your other addresses from your recipients. Don’t be lazy and take the shortcut. You’ll save yourself time in the long run.

7. Not Keeping In Touch:

It take some work to get noticed and to get someone to pay attention to your music, especially at no cost. So when a blogger or internet radio station gives you a post or plays your music, immediately thank that person and reinforce that relationship because you don’t want to be forgotten by the time you need promotion for your next project. Keep track of those who take an interest in your music and keep the communication open.

8. Quality of the Music: 

If your music is poorly mixed or you have a video that’s poorly executed, you wont get fans, bloggers, DJs, interested in your music. A bad mix can destroy a great song. If you don’t have the skills to do it yourself, hire an experienced engineer to mix and master your music for you.

Download Online Grind

In an attempt to offer more reader feedback to artists and to help give more of them a better opportunity to be posted, we are adding another day of independent hip hop music. Fridays will become a listener feedback day where they can chose whether or not the music they’ve listened to, or video they’ve watched is “Hot” or “Not”. There will be rating buttons on each post, and list of the highest rated posts displayed on the blog.

I’ll continue to post my select picks every Wednesday, but all new music submitted will be first considered for Hot or Not Fridays.

As the widely respected and well connected CEO of Total Access Talent, Melissa Sessoms is a veteran with some of entertainment’s biggest artists at her fingertips. Formerly a publicist at Sessoms PR she has advanced into the booking realm.

Lola Sims: Tell us about Total Access Talent?

Melissa Sessoms: Formerly Sessoms PR, Total Access Talent, Inc, is an international celebrity procurement and communications firm with limitless capabilities we are multi-lingual and the bottom line is, we get the job done! At Total Access Talent, Inc, success is the standard by which we operate; as we help our clients reach and maintain key milestones. Our clients not only benefit from our expertise and execution, but they also enjoy success based on the results of our efforts—from the ground upwards, we are with our clients every step of the way!
Through our personalized approach, we are committed to client needs leaving no stone unturned.  Our mission is to create relevant, “buzz-worthy,” meaningful opportunities for our clients in order for them to attain the visibility they seek; while propelling them to the next level.  We work with numerous international corporations, charitable organizations brands, concert venues, night clubs, universities in addition to desirable talent and talent management teams across numerous industries, namely, Music, Film + Television, Fashion, Sports and more.

LS: At what time should an artist start looking for a booking agent? 

MS: It is about strategy. From an artist/ management point of view, an artist should always be thinking about having some kind of representation. Some artists book their shows in-house with their management and some have their go-to agent. It is usually when they have a strong buzz , a lot of spins and when they receive numerous show requests. But it is important for the artist to have a “show” meaning, if you have one single, it would be wise to wait until you have the material to put on an entertaining set/show to satisfy to the fans.. I have seen several instances where are artist has a hot single, but no other material at that moment. They try to do a show, and it fails miserably because the crowd only knows that one song.

LS: What kind of references should you request when vetting a booking agent or agency?

MS: This is a great question because some novice buyers don’t do adequate research and unfortunately in the worst case scenario they get scammed. Sometimes it is hard for some buyers to reach management teams and that is why they seek the service of an agent.There are many directories like Pollstar that list agents with the corresponding act and they are listed because they have been cleared by management. Another way to make sure you are dealing with a qualified agent is to check their credentials, ask questions, or request proof of past engagements. There was one instance where last October I booked Nicki Minaj for an engagement  in Trinidad via her management team at the time. (the footage of the show was captured on the MTV documentary “its my time”) I heard that other agents claimed to have booked that engagement which infuriated me, but if someone vetting my agency wanted proof that it was indeed my agency that booked her, I can provide that information. Also Google is your friend, but there’s nothing better than hearing it straight from the horse’s mouth. No better reference than that. Potential buyers seeking an agent should also look at the track record from which they will be able to identify who they have worked with, what types of relationships they possess.

LS: Are there any standard fees associated when using a booking agency?

MS: An agent generally retains 10 percent of the guarantee, that is the standard rate.

LS: What are the benefits of using an agency instead of going from manager to promoter? 

MS: As an agency, celebrity procurement is what we do so we have the time to make sure that all the details are attended to. People don’t realize sometimes that omitting the smallest detail can be the difference between a successful engagement and a complete disaster. With us, we make sure all bases are covered from securing the funds to being hands-on with all of the logistics. Hotel accommodations, local ground, providing detailed itineraries to all parties, etc… There are some agents that are just concerned about getting their commission and that’s it. We see the entire process through to completion. We like to see our clients happy while enjoying the “experience.”

LS: Who are some of the acts you book?

MS: Rick Ross, Meek Mill, Wale,  Flo Rida, we have also worked DJ Khaled, Nicki Minaj and many others. Our relationships are extremely solid and we have been blessed. The most important thing in sustaining yourself in this business is relationships [the most important relationship is with GOD] Generally we permit people to see our roster upon request on a need to know basis, but I will say that we work with some of this biggest names in Music, Film and Fashion as well as up and coming talent. We also work with different brands where we identify opportunities for marketing partnerships with our talent. Currently we are in negotiations with Fever Stimulation Beverage (super premium all-natural herbal fusion that enhances the body, provides a feeling of euphoria, a natural source of energy and body enhancement) for one of our clients who has an enormous buzz going right now and his star will continue to rise. So not only do we offer celebrity procurement, we like to build and develop our clients when given the opportunity, and we bring in other revenue streams. We also have movie offers we are sifting though as well.

LS: Are there minimum qualifications ie record sales, social media followers that are applied at Total Access or that are required before you take on a client?

MS: We take on clients that we know we will be able to secure work for. Sometimes it takes pitching and selling, but most of the time we can identify potential and we are confident in our abilities. Besides, I feel there is a market for everybody. It may be a case where we create the opportunity which in turn may cause record sales to increase which causes more followers to ensue. It is essentially a domino effect, yet each client is different. We booked Rick Ross on  Lil’ Wayne’s  “I Am Still Music Tour this year  and due to the exposure he received by performing over 100 shows, he obtained thousands more fans and followers on twitter and as a result more people will buy his records because they love his music, and they got a chance to see him MORE!  I am not saying the tour was the only reason for this, but it is a factor. On the other hand, we need to believe in the client and be on accord with their vision as well as add insight. Sometimes it takes artist development. The client is not going to always start at the top, you have to be able to identify the factors to help them build and face the challenges and triumphs right along with them.

Follow Melissa Sessoms on Twitter @TOTALAXTALENT

Interview by Lola Sims / publicist

PR & Publicity

LolaSims@gmail.com
Follow me on Twitter /LolaSims

For the past few months, my team and I have been researching to build a database of resources that support independent hip hop artists. Searching for blogs, Internet radio stations and DJs that truly support your music can be exhausting. So I wanted to create a vetted list of those resources into an e-book directory. That directory will be called, Online Grind.

I looked around and noticed that there was no directory that catered specifically to our genre, and none of them contained a listing of fresh grassroots movers and shakers that were shaping the new hip hop industry that’s before us.

Online Grind won’t be free, but I do promise to make it a lot less costly than your fitted baseball cap, and definitely more helpful to your hip hop career. Because there are always new resources for indie hip hop artists popping up frequently,  Online Grind will be regularly updated with new contacts and info. Purchasers will ALWAYS have access to these fresh updates without ever paying an extra dime.

I’ve been running this blog for 3 years now and I can tell you that a large percentage of the submissions I get from artists are due to poorly submitted content. Many other music bloggers say the same thing.  So along with the list of resources, I’ve included a lot of tips and guides that will at least eliminate that overlooked obstacle that’s maybe keeping your music from getting exposure. There are many more details about the gems inside that will be revealed upon the release, which will be just in time for your 2012 push.

If you have a website or service that benefits and supports indie hip hop artist, and you want it to be considered for listing, follow this link and insert your info. Online Grind Submission

After many conversations with experienced and talented producers and various hip hop artists, I’ve come to the conclusion that there are several parts to the act of pursuing music. However, performing is only one piece of the puzzle for aspiring, and already made, musicians. Yet it seems to be an overlooked task. What attributes to it not being taken seriously, or considered at all, is the hard task of booking shows.

But, before you take the time and work necessary to book a show, it’s crucial to understand the elements of performing. Thrown in with basic expectations such as knowing your lyrics, timing, and on-point breath-work are extra bits and pieces  One part, possibly the basis, is feeling the music, being in the moment . The next part is recognizing that moment and capitalizing on your abilities. The last part (and the hardest to maintain in a productive manner) is becoming aware, knowing that your own creativity is the inspiration and the source.

Take for example, a truly well-rounded hip hop artist who meets all the criterion, San Diego producer/emcee, Makeshift a.k.a King Choosey, whose experience on stage began in 2007. Makeshift first performed at a cafe on a friend’s set. That moment of truth under the spotlight had people talking. Word of mouth about his talents spread quite rapidly in the San Diego area and beyond. Today, Makeshift has performed just over 100 shows and counting, has 3 mixtapes, an EP out, and upcoming LP. However, it’s not solely his secure on-stage presence, lyrical abilities, and a genuine love for what he does that keeps his performances in high-demand. It’s also the fact that he provides his audience with what they would like to hear. Makeshift comments that in the beginning, he, “had verses and some beats, but as the audience got bigger, [he] realized what subject matter would be relevant”.

The aspect of including your fans, your audience, is very important. Yes, your verses and beats may be used to tell your story… But, if there is no desire to collaborate with the people that listen, or hope to listen, then a sort of stalemate may happen. This applies when performing in the booth and on stage. If the crowd is a laid-back type on a certain night, pick a more chilled-out track to perform and if the people are wild’n out, go crazy with them. In all aspects, feel the vibe of your listeners and cater to it. This is not an easy task and even though Mr. Makeshift does all the managing, writing, and producing with such a cool, effortless composure, he is a positive example that it can be done.

If you rock with a crew, the process of progression, not perfection, is the same. Take it from a respected and talented Los Angeles emcee and booking guru, Spliff Hemingway, who is the leader of L.A underground hip hop group, The Alumni. The crew bounced around performing at house parties at first, but later took initiative to search L.A for a space to rent. When they found a spot and saved up enough money, The Alumni hosted “The Phantom Tollbooth 1”. Sounds easy, but Spliff admits that, “[e]ven though it was hard looking for a gig, we always had a good attitude. We strongly believe in our music, so we persisted”. By having a solid network of other artists to help spread the word and with solid material, they made it happen. After The Phantom Tollbooth, a pattern of hosting events became regular, people began asking for more performances by The Alumni and The Alumni sought out the homies to perform with them. It makes sense that authentic art and music attracts authentic artists, right?

In the beginning of any artist’s career, it cannot be about the money. There will not be cash flowing in by your 3rd, 4th, or even 150th show. If you are making music and expressing solely for dollar signs, then there are other problems at hand…But you don’t necessarily need money to get going. The Alumni jump-started their name brand and music, “without a ‘press kit’ and with very raw, tangible material”. Spliff reiterates something to always keep at the forefront of your mind: perseverance. “We overcame a lot of obstacles, but we were persistent and [didn’t] let anything get us down,” says Spliff as he gives the undisputed advice for everyone to, “… not let anything get you down and to stay focused in what you’re doing and believe in”.

From my own experiences as an audience member going to hundreds of shows and talking with knowledgeable artists, producers, and performers behind the scenes, its true that booking shows and performing are crucial in getting your music out there. Relying solely on the Internet and social networks will only take you so far… and not far at all, truthfully. However, you must remain patient with building a fan base, give you and your music enough time. Never forget that determination will take you as far as you want to go, if you let it with the right attitude.

post by: Stephanie Nicole Jones - journalist
@Stephnicojones

Artists today are looking for and experimenting with alternative ways to diversify their income. Most of these ideas fall under the umbrella of what is called “branding”. This word means different things to different people depending on who you ask in the industry. To me, it’s simply expanding your influence by becoming a symbol of an idea or movement, and nothing bonds fans together with this idea better than a logo.

Artists who have successfully accomplished this, benefit greatly when attaching their logo to their own merchandise. Sometimes a logo can become more symbolic and recognizable than the artists themselves. The thought of this came to mind when I discovered that Wu Tang t-shirts were now being sold at the Gap. In fact, as far as hip hop acts go, Wu Tang is the greatest example of how logo branding can not only become a lucrative source of income, but also a means to further increase awareness about the artists associated with it.

Fans often love to display logo-branded merchandise because it communicates their loyalty to the artist. These symbols, can over time, have an emotional value to fans just as potent as your music. And they can sometimes become recognizable to those who are not even fans of that artist.

Among some of the more popular logos, some appear to be complex in design and some work by just being simple. Whatever the case, make sure that the logo you choose to represent your label or group, is one that you’ll be fine with years from now. When or if you decide to change it up in the future, getting fans to adopt a new image, after they have  already have one embedded in their mind, may be difficult and confusing. In conclusion, artists should not underestimate the power of creating and implementing a graphic logo as an important part of their marketing plans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paT52Rnvlgo

Onesheets used to serve the primary function of informing distributers about your new release. Now, onesheets can be very useful tool when also contacting promoters, labels, Djs, booking agents, and the press. When done right, these condensed press kits can create a great first impression.

Here’s a example of a well organized artist onesheet.

Click to enlarge

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jE27aX65QA

In this video Skyzoo shares some great info on how he remains successful as an independent hip hop artist. Good stuff!

Shout out to Eliment at TM101Radio.com for this find.

VibeDeck is a service that provides a simple way to sell your digital music directly to fans. What’s so great about this is the fact that they take no cut of your sales. The service is completely free and they promise to never charge for it in the future nor add advertising to profile pages. VibeDeck handles the commerce transaction via Paypal, so the only thing you pay is PayPal’s service charge. Upon first glance, VibeDeck looks a helluva lot like Bandcamp, another service that I have high praise for. VibeDeck is easy to use and it’s pretty straight forward when it comes to jumping in and getting a page set up. They’re still developing new features to help enhance the user experience but here’s a short list of what they offer already.

• Embed your store directly on Facebook and sell your music without the customer ever leaving your page.
• Build and manage fan email lists that you can also export and save
• High quality file upload/download
• Customizable profile pages
• PayPal supported

It’s always good to have options, especially when they benefit the bottom line. I think VibeDeck is definitely worth checking out. Just keeping you informed.

VibeDeck

Building a fan base takes more than just having good music. People can connect to a great song and not give a shit about the artist who made it. Listeners like to connect to an idea, an experience…a personality. It’s not essential that you use social networks like Twitter and Facebook, but if you’re going to use them, use them to magnify your ideas. Take a look at your Twitter and Facebook timeline. If you’re only pushing links to your music and not providing any useful information or engaging in any entertaining conversation, you’re just wasting time there.

You can find believers! Last week some dude with the charisma of a wet loaf of bread had thousands believing that the world was going to end over the weekend. And the others who didn’t believe it were talking about it. Shock value and controversy can be useful, but when it expires, people will become disinterested if there is a lack of substance. Take full advantage of the one thing you have that no one else in the world has; your individuality.