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 Read the rest of this entry »
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 Read the rest of this entry »
This is the kind of sticky promotional tactic that works well to keep your name, label, or website in the minds of your fans. People can always find use for a lighter and even when the fluid runs out, it’s unlikely that it will get tossed, because a bottle opener is always handy. As I’m writing this, I’m looking at a Die Hard battery bottle opener that I’ve had on my key ring for at least 5 years. I Googled to find a company that does this and this site was the first one that came up, Logo Lighters. I’m sure there may be others that provide this service. You can search and compare prices on your own. I definitely plan to invest in a few a these with the blog’s website to pass out.
Being that the music industry stretches far and wide and keeps mostly non-traditional work hours, most lines of communication are kept open through emails and cell phones. People rarely have set office space or even a designated place where they always are so cars become offices and phones are seen as the first lines of contact. So, it is important that you choose a phone that has good reception, works in other parts of the country, and is assessable to be answered at all times of the day. Read the rest of this entry »
Hopefully you’ve been beating the social networks hard and long enough to realize that your number of friends and followers doesn’t equate to success. Sure it’s a factor, but accumulating people on these networks don’t mean that they give a shit about your music. I have Facebook friends that have pushed their network numbers to the limit, then they release a single only to discover that those people couldn’t care less. Read the rest of this entry »
If you follow @Chamillionaire on Twitter then you know that his online grind is relentless. He’s been making it work for him for a while now. Some other major rappers are just catching on. HIs last tweet promised a return after a two week vacation from the social network. But you can understand why Twitter is such an important part of his communication with his fan base in this video.
In this podcast I touch on the importance of building a team to help you achieve your goals. And as always, I give you a good dose of some dope indie hip hop music.
With the newest social media trend being Twitter, a lot of established as well as independent artist have taken to the networking site as a way to increase awareness of their brands and movements. Although the site boast music friendly opportunities i.e. New Music Monday’s, a lot of users are starting to complain about the onslaught of music they are either tweeted or fill their timeline. Rightfully so, if your a DJ, radio personality, or have anything to do with the entertainment industry you have to expect these tweets to fill your timeline from time to time So, I have decided to come up with a couple quick do’s and dont’s for independent artists that can help further as well as build their relationships on twitter without being blocked ignored, or unfollowed.
1. Do be considerate in your approach.
Just like how you have to be careful in how you approach someone on the street, you also have to be considerate in the way you come across on twitter. I think a lot of people feel as though they can act any way the want because they are not in front of that person or because its through the internet. What most Read the rest of this entry »
Headliner.fm is a cool tool for independent artists. It gives you the opportunity to exchange promotions with other artists over the Internet. It’s free. Check it out.
In my city and in others I’ve traveled to, some promoters put on what they call, talent showcases. Most of these lame shows are put together by letting any rapper perform who pays an entree fee. On top of that, the artist is given a number of tickets that he must sell to his friends and supporters. These are the only group of people usually cheering for him during his performance because no one is there to see anyone else but the artist they came to support.
Anybody can get in and perform if they have the money to pay. These showcases are stacked with well over a dozen artists Read the rest of this entry »
Twitter
Facebook