Music Business Blog by Jason Feinberg

Here’s a quick one –

To climb the ranks into an executive position in the music business, it is imperative that one learns how to walk.

Well duh, right? That’s not quite what I mean. I am not speaking of what we do in our infancy – I am referring to learning how to convey confidence, knowledge, wisdom, experience, attitude, and ability simply in the way you carry yourself.

Pay attention to how celebrities, executives, and generally confident people stand. Watch their body language as they move around. You know before they say a single word that they mean business.

There are entire books on this subject, but I’ll sum it up here – Head up, eye contact, slight swing to your arms, strong strides… These add up to a perception of confidence by others.

A word of warning – there can be a fine line between confident and cocky. Understand the difference and ensure your body language says “I am capable,” not “I am a tool.”

Hi all – this blog has now officially found a new home – and you’re reading it. It was previously hosted over at On Target Media Group but due to growth, visitors, and just simply being a good idea, it officially will now live at www.musicbusinessblog.com.

Please spread the word – tell your friends, your coworkers, your interns… I will do my best to provide a valuable service to all of those in, near, or just curious about the music industry.

So let’s get started…

Here’s what is on my mind today – the concept of Risk Reduction. In this industry, there are no sure bets – as a matter of fact, one would do better placing bets against success than for it. But, by keeping a few concepts in mind, one can reduce the risk associated with a career in the music industry. Here’s how.

1) You must – let me emphasize that – must – love what you do. This simple statement has been proven true time and time again. Find what you love to do and do it. Give it 110%. Make it your passion. Focus all your energy on simply enjoying what you do and doing what you enjoy. If you can do this – truly find a job in the biz that you love with all your heart – money and success and advancement will follow. I suppose a touch of ability never hurts, especially in the creative jobs, but I know a lot of creative people without passion that consistently underachieve.

2) Never, ever get comfortable. As much as we hate to admit, we are all replaceable. Appreciate what you have acheived. You aren’t owed a thing.

3) Help others. There is no easier way to build a network than share your knowledge and experience with others. It will come back to help you. True, this is a game and we are often competing against each other, but I run my company in a fashion that contributes to the industry and those around me. Seems to have worked so far!

Well, that’s all that seems to want to spill from my brain today. Stay tuned, and feel free to email me – Click Here.

Busy as usual at the ol’ On Target Media Group. Launched a few new campaigns this week:

- Dave Weiner – Guitarist extraordinaire, Steve Vai’s right hand man. See him on tour now with Vai!

- Danny McGuinness – Acoustic yet gritty, personal yet universal. Singer-songwriter who knows what you are feeling and can express it in ways you’ve never imagined.

- Boosweet Records – Run by legendary axe man Vernon Neilly. Modern day jazz with a guitar hero slant.

- Doppler, Inc. – The brainchild of lead guitarist/songwriter Doug Doppler. Immaculately crafted, juxtaposing savage riffery with inventive arrangements and inspired playing.

As always, a few more in the works. It’s good to be busy!

It is rare I will endorse a book or service that in some ways is in competition with what I do, but in this case I simply must. Recently OTMG has partnered up with The Indie Bible – the single greatest resource out there to musicians at any stage in their career. We use this phenomenal book nearly every day at On Target, and I consider it to be one of our greatest (not-so) secret weapons. I mean this when I say it – every single artist, manager, label, or anyone else looking for radio, print, and Internet exposure should get this book. It might be the best money you invest in your career for years to come.

Click Here For More Information.