Music Business Blog by Jason Feinberg

For those of you who are promoting yourselves – be it musician, music biz soldier, promoter, whatever – do not overlook the potential of Podcasts.

If you are unfamiliar with the concept of Podcasts, go here.

Although some critics may say Podcasting is on its way out, I just cannot see it. Thanks to the iPod and how easy it is to record and publish your own streams, I think the promotional ability of Podcasting is just getting started.

Musicians – although the legality can be a bit hairy, look to get yourself promoted on existing Podcasts.

Labels, Marketers, Companies – start a webcast and get it listed in directories, such as the iTunes podcast list.

Gotta stay up on new technology, kiddies!

There is an old business saying that will ring true throughout eternity:

Focus On The Fundamentals

It means just what it says – there are certain fundamental aspects to your business/career/band/life that simply cannot be forsaken.

Don’t forget how you got to where you are today. Is it your amazing musical ability? Is it your stellar customer service? Is it an undying entrepreneurial spirit? Whatever it may be, remember that it must never be neglected. Do not get comfortable in your current state just because you’ve achieved some success.

This is especially relevant if you do something where you have customers or clients. The relationship with them is crucial to your well-being; it is of ultimate importance to always remember that without them you do not exist – focus on their needs before anything else.

Oh, what a good time that was. For any of you who have not been to CMJ – find a reason next year and GO! 4 days, thousands of music bizzers, and hundreds (if not thousands) of amazing indie bands.

I went to a number of panels, ranging from issues in the ring tone market to the state of online versus traditional retail and distribution. Learned some things, but more importantly met hundreds of people in the biz. What I walked away with, more than anything else, is that the indie scene is STRONG and getting stronger. It’s always been in great shape, but finally things have really been set in motion. So many organizations and companies coming together to foster the growth and success of indie musicians, businesses, and music.

If I haven’t said it before (and I know I have) – it’s all about relationships. No better a time to develop or strengthen them than at a conference like this.

Next stop – SXSW!

Oh – have to give a shout out to Generations Records. No trip to NYC is complete without a stop there. I spent way too much money, but came home with some RARE and excellent CDs. Love it!

Wooo… Been a busy couple days. Wanted to check in yesterday, but it’s New York City! Not going spend time in front of a computer (Well, other than now).

Been mad busy, meeting with so many music biz peeps. Last night went to see some bands, a couple at CBGB. Good to stop in, as it might not be there soon. I hadn’t been since ’95 or ’96, so that was nice. Hasn’t changed at all, good to see.

Alright, gotta run. New York and CMJ baby!

Just got to New York, will be here all week for the CMJ Conference.

I am writing this from the 48th-floor balcony of a friend’s condo, overlooking Central Park, just off Broadway. I’ll be staying here for the entire convention – it’s empty anyhow, they only use it when they are in New York – and that requires them being in the country. Remember – it’s all about relationships! ;)

Should be a great couple days. Haven’t been to CMJ since 1996, although I am sure nothing has changed. Oh wait – I am no longer the music director of one of the biggest college stations, so I guess I can expect less ass-kissing from the labels.. Damn, now *I* have to be the one kissing ass! Hah..

Anyway, I’ll be reporting from the road. Lots of good panels, TONS of amazing bands. I just got in, took the red-eye out of Los Angeles last night, so I am BEAT. Time to get a little rest, then away I go.

More to come, soon.

Quite interesting that my first internship down in Los Angeles was in a post-production house, where I would have ended up heading down a path, ending in being some sort of editor (which I would have loved).

However, by eventual result of not being very interestsed and leaving after 3 weeks, I instead ended up having built a music industry marketing company, and am now also building an editing company. It’s good to be the boss.

I am an information junkie. I need information from multiple sources on multiple topics. I buy books I never read, just because I want to have the knowledge around me. I am sure I’ll get to them someday. I subscribe to at least 15 magazines, of which I consistently read 3 or 4, occasionally skim through 3 or 4 others, and the rest go unread til they get recycled. So it goes – I just NEED information all around me. Maybe that’s why I ended up specializing in the Internet for my work…

Information is so damn valuable… Get as much as you can about anything that interests you.

I think I am going to start getting some guest writers from the industry to contribute to this blog. I plan on continuing to do updates, but I have been so busy lately that there is simply no consistent time. Marketing 7 records, editing 2 DVDs, an EPK, and mantaining several websites. Plenty.

So, more content to come soon, from handpicked industry experts in many different areas. We’ll all benefit.