Dec 09 2005
Guest Entry: Guitarist and Independent Label CEO Vernon Neilly!
[ Editor's Note: Today we're very lucky to have a guest post from Vernon Neilly. He is an accomplished guitar player, instructor, CEO of Boosweet Records, and he even occasionally finds time to sleep! Enjoy! ]
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SHOULD I GIVE AWAY MY MUSIC FOR FREE!
This is a question that independent artists still grapple with as they create their music, and spend all of the money that they have saved just to create their projects. The reason why independent artist still have a hard time determining this is because they are focused on trying to make back their hard earned cash that took them a 100 gigs or more to finance the project. Now when I speak of giving your music away for free, I am not talking about standing on the street corner handing out your CD’s as people come by, but deciding what is your very best song from your project, and loading the mp3 of that song to sites(there’s a million of them out there right now) that allow you to do so. Notice I said your best song from your project, this is because generally if people hear something they like they are going to want to hear more, so dont worry about giving you best song away. This is going to be the thing that will get interest in the rest of your project. Major record labels have been doing this for decades, and are still doing it at great expense to their labels, but the digital revolution allows independents now to do this for free or minimal costs at some member type sites, if you take the time to research what sites will be the most effective for your music to be heard. Also remember to let your fans, music industry folks, promoters know where they can go to hear your music, “You have to give to receive” !
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For more info on Vernon and his label, please visit: www.boosweet.com
I tried to resist Myspace for as long as possible.
Although it is the perfect example of what Vernon is referring to. The most dominant online site for music right now, and from a business perspective as a musician, it is very beneficial I have come to finally realize in recent weeks. The speed at which you have the power to develop your potential /image /story etc. and increase your audience at the same time is unbelievable. However, I also think it is more important from a band / musician and all round marketing view, you have created a quality product. Vernon mentioned the ‘best song’, you have to work hard at getting the ‘best song’ to a high enough standard that will have people thinking, talking, excited about what you have to offer.