The business of being a artist

Have you stepped back and taken a look at your looked at your art AS a business?  

If you don’t have a “business background” or know where to begin, or you feel business and art have nothing to do with one another,  you may not have done this.

If this is the case, how is this working for you? 

Are you happy with where you are professionally as a artist? Probably not, 

It's ok- you one of hundreds of thousands  who are not getting what they want from their creative pursuits, and as a result are not able to make a living wage doing what they love.

You realize you can do something to change that?

Let's back up and start at the very beginning to  do a little “check up” to see if you are ready to start a business?

Answer yes or no to the following questions:

1. Do you think your ready to start a business?

2. Have you ever worked IN a business similar to what you are planning?

3. Would people say you are well suited to be self employed?

4. Do you have support from your family & friends?

5. Do you consider yourself a leader and self starter?

6. Would OTHER people consider you a leader or self starter?

7. Are you willing to invest a significant portion of your savings or net worth  to get your business started?

8. Are you prepared if needed to temporarily lower your standards of living  for a couple of years until your business is firmly established?

9. Are you willing to commit long hours to make your business work?

10. Have you ever written a business plan?

If you answered NO to more than 3 of these questions then perhaps the making a living as a self employed artist  isn’t something you are suited for- and you can continue to languish in obscurity.

  If you answered yes to many of the questions, and want to take steps to change the trajectory of your artistic career, then re-framing how you view your music, as a BUSINESS and creating a business structure around it will insure you  have more success. 

The degree of your success depends entirely upon you having a GREAT product, GREAT plan, & lots of hard work on creating a foundational plan to build your career upon.

I have listed these items in the order they should be addressed each step is dependent upon the next to be successful

CREATING YOUR ARTISTIC IDENTITY:

    This will help you distill and clarify what it is your doing, what space your competing in, what value you are providing your audience, & why they should care about what your doing.

A PROFESSIONALLY WRITTEN BIO:

    When you write your own bio, you know it, and so does everyone reading it.

The information you provide your readers is vital to them understanding who you are-  Listing the unique facts about you, relevant experience, and phrasing it in a clear concise way that compels the reader to want to know more about you

Carefully cultivating the unique qualities that make you different than everyone else.

YOUR PLAN:

Every SUCCESSFUL business has a plan-& goals. It doesn’t matter if you are the only person in the business you still need a roadmap detailing what your business does, what direction your headed in, who your customers are and what core values are important to you and guide you.

BUSINESS CARDS:

  This simple tool is often over looked- and a key tool to show that your serious about what you do.  Often I get a card and  find it is missing a website, or email address, last week at a conference I got a card that just had a name on it. that's it.  I nearly tossed the card, then I googled the name thinking ah a clever ploy to get me to the artist website. NOTHING, not even a facebook page.  I tossed the card, and that artist probably doesn't realize how many opportunities that have been missed by trying to be cool and different.  Clearly missed the target.

Use a standard sized card- if it doesnt fit in a wallet it will get tossed or annoy people that it wont fit in their wallet.

Print on ONE SIDE, on a NON GLOSSY card,   when people who care about you get your card, & if they want to make a note about you on the back of the card, for possible follow up.  They can’t if the card is two sided or glossy.

Include:  NAME PHONE # EMAIL WEBSITE ADDY & your ARTISTIC TAG LINE

(the tag line comes  from your work on your artist id)

You can order great cards from http://www.printsmadeeasy.com/

A SMART PHONE: 

 If you are not easily accessable, you will miss opportunities and not even know it.  A prospective client talking with you, hearing beeps and clicks as you hit the keypad, and then dead air because you hung up on them.

 With today’s technology you need access to your phone calls, & emails-and RESPOND to requests within 1 business day unless you are "out of the office" then you have a message indicating that you will be returning on a specific date and will be returning messages THEN.

   At this writing Whether you are with ATT or Verizon  get either a iPhone or a Droid-  they both run multiple apps are dependable (as much as the two largest wireless providers can be).  And most importantly they make you available to do business.   Do not mess with bargin brand phone service, or pay as you go services-  You get to WRITE OFF this expense when you do your taxes. YOU CAN"T AFFORD NOT TO HAVE ONE.  Do not short change yourself, in having a key communication tool available.

The bottom line is, You never get a 2^nd chance to make a 1^st impression-  by having the correct  BASIC tools, shows the outside world you are:

-       Organized

-       Open for business

-       Have a Plan 

-       Serious about your career

If your potential customers or fans are unsure about you or the service you offer they WILL NOT BUY your products, it is up to you to clarify and make it easy for them  

If you need help getting organized, clarified, and realize the success you imagine, contact me I can help you put the correct pieces in place for YOU to make a powerful impression on your prospective fans, business partners & investors. 

In teaching you how to succeed these tools can be used in ALL areas of your life, it happened for me, it's happened for my clients, it can happen for you. It just takes the acknowledgement that you want to, and are ready to make a positive difference in your life.

Tamra Engle is a performing songwriter and business strategist who offers business solutions for creative minds to help them succeed in the evolving music and entertainment industries. As a performing singer-songwriter,  she has worked as a studio musician in Los Angeles; toured the U.S. and enjoyed the placement of her songs on television and nationally aired commercials. Her recent album was on the final round ballot for the 2008 Grammy's in the Best Contemporary Folk Album category.

PASSION PROJECTS:

Helping others achieve success doing what they love.

Insuring music education remains accessible to school age children.

Ending Violence against Women & Children.

Reef Preservation/Restoration

Deep Sea Diving

Ref:  http://web.SBA.gov

         http://www.tamraengle.com

Discovering your purpose

One of the greatest gifts my parents gave me was the love of books, and the desire to do anything I set my mind to.
(as long as I had a plan to do it right).


  I have conversations with friends and collegues everyday who are frustrated with being stuck and simply not knowing how to be able to make a living doing what they love.
 Many of us spend our lives endlessly searching for the quick fix to fill us.  I know I spent years, focusing on making money because that's what I thought, and was told,  was the important thing to focus on.  Yes, the great green does provide us with the "comfort" of having "things" around us, it doesn't really quench our thirst for fullfillment to do what WE love.


I know I have been given blessing  to search and seek what I love. For me, it took a huge life changing moment to stop me to acknowledge what I had known deep in my heart, that  I was chasing the wrong thing for the wrong reason. 


So I set forth to follow my calling,  and part of my work is to share this with others, and  help others "discover their calling" then, drop by drop our little pool grows into a great ocean of fulfillment.


We spend our lives seeking to feed 3 hungers:


1) To connect w/ the creative spirit of life:  At some point we become aware of the creative energy all around us.


2) To know and express your gifts:  Everyone contains some unique talent(s) some discovered some yet to be discovered- for the undiscovered many seek fulfillment in countless ways, 
the fastest cars, the biggest house, affairs, addictions, distractions from the day to day constantly searching for "IT".  Many spend their lifetimes looking for the thing that will provided the fulfillment they seek.


3)To know our lives matter:  Each of us wants to know that we will leave behind a reminder of their existence, a impression that we have left for others to see and experience after we have left.


Fulfillment is achieved by feeding all 3 of these hungers- we can make alot of money, have fame, but success w/out fulfillment means you are not feeding all 3 hungers!


DISCOVERY
First start with yourself- not the external demands put upon you or the situation.


Then, discover what makes you unique?  Where do you find your joy and passion?  When you connect with your passion your chances of success are HUGE. 


Finally find peace / solitude- The greatest gift you can give yourself is a quiet space, maybe it is a favorite hiking path, a favorite rock to stare out on the city, ocean or open space.  maybe a sunny corner of your favorite room.  If this solitude place is someplace that takes time to get to, then create a space where you can find a similar peace of mind.
 A client of mine, used posters, colors, and a ipod  to replicate the beach in her urban space.  This quiet place will help you deal with the starting w/ yourself, uniqueness, discovering where you find joy and connecting.  Your imagination is a powerful, and FREE tool you can use anytime everyday!


WHATS YOUR ANSWER?


What is your ideal of "living the good life"?  In today's society  we are consumers, we focus on "things" the kind of car we drive, the designer clothing we wear, the cool new gadget everyone has, the neighborhood we live in.  Distill things to these elements:
Living in a place that you feel you  belong, with people your love and in relationships that work (including the relationship with yourself).  Having the right work.  When you focus on something you believe in with your heart & soul in a environment that represents who your are, and doing the tasks w/ purpose  you have suddenly found the meaning for yourself,  rather than trying to be something to everyone else.








ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Tamra Engle is a performing songwriter and business strategist who offers business solutions for creative minds to help them succeed in the evolving music and entertainment industries. As a performing singer-songwriter she has worked as a studio musician in Los Angeles; toured the U.S. and enjoyed the placement of her songs on television and nationally aired commercials. Her recent album was on the final round ballot for the 2008 Grammy's in the Best Contemporary Folk Album category.

PASSION PROJECTS: 

• Helping others achieve success doing what they love.
• Insuring music education remains accessible to school age children.
• Ending Violence against Women & Children.
• Reef Preservation/Restoration
• Deep Sea Diving

References:


Richard Leider- The  Power of  Purpose
as recommended by Robert Temple 
http://www.roberttemplemusic.com

NETWORKING AT A BUSINESS CONFERENCE:

 You are excited to be attending a big conference- 

Learning tricks of the trade, and meeting new people to your network.

After dishing out a registration fee, made travel plans, and possibly a hotel or lodging expenses- You want to make the best of your conference experience so you earn back the money you invested in simply attending the conference. 

 Ask yourself- how much new business did your career get from the last conference you attended?  

If you don't know or you know you DIDN'T get anything from that investment 

 here are a few tips to insure your conference experience is the best possible:

Bring Along Your Business Cards

1) This is the one tool that will connect you with people- you should include contact information, such as a phone number, email and mailing address.

2) Choose a design that is professional- SIMPLE one sided, odd sized  and NOT glossy-*you can’t write on a glossy card.  

3) Get an email address that is not too personal or gimmicky.it's better to conduct your business emails through an address that is formatted similarly to the industry standard, such as "first firstnamelastname@domain.com." Services like Gmail offers a great free email account that has a pretty good spam catcher- and flexibility.

4) Have your cards printed professionally. Remember you never get a 2^nd chance to make a first impression and you can buy professionally printed cards for as little as $14.00.

You should choose a good-quality card stock  (remember no glossy cards) for printing and be sure to double-check your card for errors before and after printing.  I recommend Psprint.com, or PrintsMadeEasy.com

WRITE A ELEVATOR PITCH / INTRO STATEMENT: 

THIS is what separates YOU from everyone else at the conference. 

1) Compose an "elevator pitch / into statement"  to use when you meet new people at the conference.

 2) Include information such as your name, concisely describe what you do (something more descriptive than “I am a singer” or “I am a songwriter” this doesn’t explain who/what you do and what you need or are looking for while attending the conference). This speech can be geared towards different contingencies, such as one for meeting the decision makers another for meeting individuals who might be interested in sharing contacts.

3) Keep it brief. Your elevator pitch / intro statement should last no more than 30 seconds.

4) Practice your speech before you get to the conference. Use a friend as a Guinea pig. Watch their reactions to gauge the effectiveness of your speech, altering it to fit your purposes. 

 5) Attend sessions at which you can network easily with others, such as mixers or breakfast events, and use your elevator speech as an icebreaker.

6) More important than giving out the cards is GETTING cards from your prospective new partners so YOU have THEIR contact info. WRITE DOWN info on the back of their card that will help you remember who they are and what key points you discussed (something brief to jog your memory later after you have talked to 150 people!)

FOLLOW UP W/ THE CONTACTS YOU HAVE MADE.

This step is often neglected and a main reason you attended the conference-

1) Get in touch with your contacts directly following the conference using a short email. Reiterate your pleasure at meeting them and follow up on any conversations you may have had. MAKE SURE you have included links to your website & appropriate social media sites if you need to direct them to the content you want them to see or hear.

2) Send a handwritten thank-you note to anyone in your new network that may have supplied you with additional assistance.

DO YOU NEED HELP?

Creating you pitch and to professionally pitch and present yourself like anything else requires refinement and practice, If you are not cultivating good leads, or getting work following attending events let me help you!   “Providing business solutions for creative minds” so YOU can succeed in the evolving art / entertainment business community- I look forward to assisting you with growing your career and having success.

Individuals interested in making a difference in their lives and careers may contact Tamra at: guitartam@gmail.com

Are YOU the next American Idol?

American Idol Registration for Season 10 is being held in SF on August 17-18 w/ auditions scheduled on August 19th  @ ATT Park-  

Season 9 finalists Adam Lambert & Alison Iraheta both got their start at the SF Audition’s last season-

If you are 28 years of age or younger and a unsigned artist;  you MUST  have a plan, and air tight audition prepared to help guarentee a successful audition.

 *Show FAQ’s and information are listed on: americanidol.com/auditions

What are the secrets to getting past the initial round of auditions and onto the show? 

-Capturing a unique “star power”

-WINNING over the SCREENERS

-GET in front of the judges and through to the audition.

To do this correctly requires understanding the A.I. Audition process, preparation, lots of stamina, good humor,  And sticking to your plan.

Key area’s I  can assist  you with:

1)    Preparing for the screening and interviews before the  audition

2)    What to wear

3)    Selecting the right song to audition with

4)    Preparing for your performance mentally, physically, and spiritually

5)    Preparing your voice

6)    Rehearsing w/ Accompaniment

7)    Rehearsing on key consistently w/o accompaniment

8)    Video Performance Coaching

9)    Understanding the process from start to finish

10)  The 3 P's- Stage Patter / Performance / Perfection

In each city there are thousands that vie for a audition spot before the judges only about 100-200 make it to the judges evaluation  from there only 10-30 from each city to  actually make it to the Hollywood audition.

If you think you are the next American Idol?  You can prepare yourself for success with the proper guidance, practice, and coaching.

If your interested in gaining every advantage to have a great audition,  I have coached and prepared artists for showcase opportunities for SXSW, Folk Alliance, ASCAP AWARDS, GRAMMY’S & More…. contact me to help!

BIO

Tamra Engle is a performing songwriter, musician and consultant who offers strategic business solutions for creative minds to help them succeed in the evolving music and entertainment industries.

As a performing singer-songwriter whose recent album was on the final round ballot for the 2008 Grammy's in the Best Contemporary Folk Album category.

Tamra began her entertainment career as a studio musician In Los Angeles, Toured Nationally, and enjoyed placement of her songs on television and nationally aired ad campaigns.

PASSION PROJECTS:

-Helping others achieve success doing what they love.


- Insuring music education remains accessable to school age children.


- Ending Violence against Women & Children.

Individuals interested in making a difference in their lives and careers may contact Tamra at her website at www.tamraengle.com






External References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Idol

http://www.americanidol.com/

http://www.tamraengle.com

HAVING A PLAN SAVED THEIR LIVES

The importance of Artists having a plan, working collaboratively, and growing a global network
resonated with me this past week while visiting old and new friends and colleagues in Santa Fe New Mexico.


How often have you wondered?
How will I provide for me / or my family?
How can I make my life better?


As an artist how often do you work collaboratively with your peers?
or to help new comers to your field?
Deep down does the fear of not knowing where to start,
fear of your  competition, or  having to learn something new  stop you? (Your not alone!!!)


Let me share with you artists, some who come from the simplest means you could possibly imagine, many have lived and died trapped in oppressive deadly situations, from recent examples of natures wrath in Haiti to cultural wars in Rwanda, Kenya, So. Africa, and so many other countries. Despite a variety of incredible obstacles have organized, prioritized, and are realizing the success of planning, setting goals, and using their business plans to take CONTROL of their lives.



We were among an estimated 25 thousand visitors to the:

The Santa Fe International Folk Art Market www.folkartmarket.org/
The 2010 market featured 147 artists from all over the world.
Over half the artists attending for the 1st time. 1/3 of these artists were member of a Artist Co-operatives.

To kick off what is now billed as International Folk Arts Week, the Museum of International Folk Art also exhibited the work of women's cooperatives from Bolivia, Rwanda, Peru, Swaziland, India, Kenya, Laos, South Africa, Morocco and Nepal that are represented at market.
Artwork included- weaving, bead work, painting, baskets, embroidery and other traditional folk arts.

The Santa Fe Folk Art Gallery of Conscience exhibition at the museum featured:
"Empowering Women: Artisan Cooperatives That Transform Communities"

Featuring 10 multinational - Woman’s Co-operatives which were selected for this exhibit.

Each Co-Op has a different motivation- whether it is preserving a dying heritage, sustaining the environment, providing a safe haven from violence, it is art that binds them however, the growing consumer market drives them.

These women have all learned to work collaboratively, creating products, develop distribution networks, and to decide democratically how to distribute or invest the revenues- whether it will be for group health care, or village to village water systems, or providing college scholarship funds for their children.

In recognition of the huge impact these co-operatives have the United Nations have proclaimed 2012 as the international Year of Cooperatives.



I am highlighting two Women that I met, who touched my heart, and whom I admire, respect, and honor.
Each represents the trans formative power of women working together to provide for their families, educate themselves and their children, promote equality, be stewards to their environment , or give back to their communities.

Gahaya Links Cooperative- Rwanda Janet Nkubana

BACKGROUND
In 1994 100 days of horrific ethnic violence Rwandan Hutu’s Murdered 1 million Tutsis and moderate Hutus, heaving hundreds of thousands widowed and orphaned. Neighbors killed neighbors, war rape was a systematic means of Genocide. Recovering from this unspeakable tragedy was impossible to imagine. Ephigenia Mukantabana lost 65 members of her own family, but has forgiven her families killer who is now imprisoned. For Ephigenia healing began when she worked side by side with the man’s wife Ephigenia a member of a basket weaving co-op in their home village of Sough Province. From it’s humbled beginning of 20 women the company has now grown to a network of over 4,000 weavers from across the country organized into 52 cooperatives.

Teaching her art to both Huto’s and Tusis and the balm that restored her shattered life “Art Heals a hopeless soul” & Though interaction you reduce trauma,. Weaving is our hope for tomorrow.

Umoja Uaso Woman's Group A Safe Haven from Violence; KENYA Rebecca Lolosoli -

The Beginning of this Co-op was not about art, it was about survival- Rebecca and 16 other homeless women in 1990 founded the village of Umoja Uaso as a refuge for other Samburu women who were victims of beatings, rape, forced marriage, and other violent domestic crimes. Rebecca shared with me privately some very horrifying personal stories of the brutal existence, she and others are working hard to change.

"Umoja" means Unity in Maa (the same language spoken by the Masai) Umoja is now a safe haven for women and girls fleeing abuse, it is also a education and training center to promote human rights, economic empowerment, and the preservation of indigenous art and crafts.

Today Rebecca and other Umoja leaders inspire women throughout the nation through workshops such as the rights of the girl-child, female reproductive health, HIV/Aids, violence prevention, and wormen's rights.


I encourage you to check out the links I have provided at the end of this article to read about these organizations and individuals- and if you or someone you know is an artist(male OR female!) that wants to sustain their families & themselves- or make your community a better place and need business guidance- I provide business solutions for creative minds to succeed in evolving competitive markets.


"Divided there is little we can do, working together we can change the world"
- TE inspired by JFK



References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artist_cooperative
www.folkartmarket.org/
List of Co-op's at the market:
http://media.museumofnewmexico.org/press_releases.php?action=detail&releaseID=119
http://ipsnews.net/africa/nota.asp?idnews=43740
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samburu_people

2010 Market by the numbers:
BY THE NUMBERS

2010 Folk Art Market

175: Number of artists (half of them new to market)

53: Countries represented

400: Number of applicants

28: Sponsored artists

$200,000: Cost to pay for artists to come to Santa Fe


2009 Folk Art Market

123 artists from 46 countries

23,400 people attended (14.4 percent increase over 2008)

60 percent of attendees were visitors to Santa Fe

Generated $1.95 million in artists' sales

$152,257 in gross receipts tax paid on sales

Total economic impact estimated at $15.7 million

Over 1,500 volunteers worked for the market

Making a living as a recording artist

Every week I talk to artists and every week when I ask individuals what they are interested in doing for a "living" they say "I am going to sell cd's!" or "I'm going to tour-

When pressed to see how they will pay for the tour, or simply pay the day to day bills
most reply that they will:

-Get signed to a major lable- who will finance my next cd

- Make money on tour PLUS sell cd's.

It must be hard for artists to realize that the old way of making music and MONEY has changed, I'm not going to discuss touring in this post, but talk about Selling CD's and how you make a living as a signed or unsigned artist.

At this writing there are only 4 major labels left - Each of them have MANY MANY MANY "boutique" labels under their "umbrella"

Sony Music Entertainment
EMI Group
Warner Music Group
Universal Music Group

With the precipedous decline in record sales, the "majors" do not write deals the way they used to. They will sign artists with a "360 deal".

I often joke that the 360 deal means that the label gets a piece of EVERYTHING within 360 degree's of YOU: Merchandise- Touring-Publishing-Songwriting shares- even entities you may create with your name and image etc.... These deals if your a major act like U2 and Madonna mean millions-
For a non established act they mean your chances of ever seeing a penny are slim to none!

FORGET THE MAJORS I AM GOING INDY!:
ALL of the indy labels are also cash strapped, and will also want to have a large percentage of a NEW or emerging artists Merchandising, Touring, Publishing etc.
So why the big rush to be signed?

I know "back in the day" you lived and breathed to be signed since that was the only path to success.

So what are your options?

Educate yourself- Learn EVERYTHING about what is going on in the industry- Learn what the key points in deals are, (contracts have NEVER been written with the artist's interest in mind- There is a ton of information out there via, books, the web, recording industry organizations. This is the #1 way to help you hold on to what little money you may have and any of your future earnings.
*Madonna- from day one sat in meetings, read,questioned, talked and PARTNERED with collegues that helped her grow her "business" into the empire it is today- Jay Z- P-Diddy Beyonce- all corporate CEO's.


Are you Ready for the big time?
Do you have a strong foundation and a strong business plan? Do you have a big and growning fan base, and your shows are packed to attract the attention of the BIG GUYS?

1st honestly ask yourself these questions:

1)Is your craft the very best it can be?

2) Are you presenting something that is totally unique to the masses?

3) Are you working as hard and smart as you can to establish & grow your "business"?

I promise this work is on-going- you need to dedicate a part of EVERY DAY to being the BEST at what EVER your good at and answering YES to these questions above.

FREE ADVISE:
DONT RUSH to sign a contract!! *DON"T SIGN ANYTHING unless you have a entertainment attorney review and negotiate on your behalf. The lable's ALL have legal teams that have constructed a contract that FAVORS THEM, you need indivduals on YOUR TEAM to protect YOUR interest and favor YOU). You can't afford an attorney? Can you afford to sign away all of your future earnings? You wouldn't do this with a 9-5 corporate job why would you do that with your PASSION?



BEING A INDY ARTIST D.I.Y. Do It Your Self:

If you agree that you still need to educate yourself and get ready for the big time so you can make the best informed decisions about YOUR career and earnings.
You 1st establish a strong foundation then build upon it.

Do you still have your heart set on recording your cd and make a living from the sales of it?

Awesome, Let's take a look at the numbers from 2009:

Soundscan 2009 numbers (soundscan tracks records sold)

in 2009 there were around 98,000 US releases
out of those releases only around 700 of them sold over 5,000 units
and only 12 of them sold over a million copies! Wow! one dozen sold over a million.


What does this mean to YOU?
Let's do musicians math.

You make a cd-
Let's say your CD cost $15,000 to make (a conservative estimate to record, master, & duplicate a full length cd)

If sell your cd for $10 a piece on your website, & at your shows.


You need to sell 1500 cd's to break even on your recording and mastering!!!

What about digital download sales? in 2009 they represented 40% of the total market- so digital downloads are increasing and physical sales are decreasing. You still have to sell 1500 units in physical or digital sales, The sad reality is most new artists NEVER sell 1500 copies, the RIAA doesnt even start "counting" you in their statistics until you sell 1000 units. It's simply the reality of the market today!

OTHER FACTORS:

If you want to get your cd reviewed and played you need to send out several hundred reviewers and promo people you hope will actually play your cd- (add the cost of mailing these cd's to the costs you will need to "re-coop".
Without adding in costs, like digital distribution, promotions, marketing, etc You still have to sell 1500 cd's to break even! Add to this equasion that on the internet there are 1000's of internet radio stations playing music for free (and the artist never get paid a cent) not a fast track way to make "a living".

DO I HAVE TO HAVE A FULL LENGTH CD?
Your CD in today's market is really nothing more than your "business card" you give them to potential investors and business partners to share your work, you sell them to fans to keep them coming to your shows, with digital press kits- having a EP or demo disc is perfectly fine and may make more sense- you still have something to sell, but consider the SINGLE mentality- many folks simply will not buy a full length cd, and now many emerging and established artists release singles all the time.

Fan's at shows will buy a disc but the sales numbers show that a majority of the record buying public download a favorite song or two- Record reviewers, booking agents, listen to Part of your song to see if they like you... so singles and short play discs are often less expensive options for new artists to consider-

NOW WHAT?
If your like many of us, this doesn't change the fact that you live to play and create music!
and you may STILL want to do a full length CD maybe it is only for personal fulfillment reasons.

Indy artists CAN make a living- you simply have to be creative and play to YOUR strengths, and put together a plan that will allow you to organize your time, identify the things you are really good at, and the area's you need help with- THEN building that into a your plan to create MULTIPLE revenue streams- It doesn't change the fact that you must stick to the plan and work hard to educate yourself about HOW the music / entertainment business works. (so it can work for YOU). * I can help you do this!!!



For a New UN-established artist you have to prove that you have "earning potential" and to demonstrate WHY others should join your team to HELP you succeed. (this includes FANS, voluteers to help you at shows, investors in YOU)

You may think to yourself, I haven't done any of that & I have people ready to sign me today!

Imagine you are a a A&R person your job is to look for talent (NOTE A&R folks do not sign acts they only scout the talent) Which of these bands would you be interested in pitching to your boss (who is the person offering the contract).

BAND 1- Updated press kit, Fan outreach, catalog of material, packing shows consistantly selling lots of merch- growing fan base, opening for popular regional acts.

BAND 2- Debut artist a few demo's on myspace inconsistantly playing coffee shops and local gigs
Has had no touring or recording experience-

If you fall into the BAND 2 catagory- do you think the person begging you to sign a "exclusive" agreement is interested or have connections to make you a star? do they have a history of working with artists JUST LIKE YOU to help them be successful?
If they have never worked with an artist like you, how are they going to be able to properly promote and grow your career?
More often it is a situation where a artist or band inexperience leading them to losing what little money they are making.

Look at the super successful major acts, and even the emerging artists that are on your iPod-
They ALL have "other businesses" that allows them options to creating a "living". (see the Diddy's Madonna's, Beyonce's listed above).

Don't be in such a hurry to sign away your earnings- As with any "job" the entertainment industry is a WONDERFUL place to create, learn and grow- It IS however a business and right now a UPSIDE DOWN business trying to figure out how to survive in a world where music is free and plentiful!

If you have questions about your career, are interested in putting together a success plan, or figuring out what else you need to do to "make a living" doing what you love- let's talk!




REFERENCES:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Record_label
http://www.cluas.com/music/features/madonna.htm
http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/content_display/industry/e3i4ad94ea6265fac02d4c813c0b6a93ca2
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703882804574642764293968586.html

Free downloads up cd sells down: http://www.pollstar.com/blogs/news/archive/2009/03/18/655077.aspx

Free Tools for Artists- YouTube made these two stars!

All the experts are trying to tap into what the NEXT wave is...
I tell new and prospective clients EVERY DAY the old record label model of getting huge advances (that never seem to get paid off) and being one of the stable of artists for the big record machine just isn't around anymore.

All the "experts" will agree that there is no 1 magic formula, but a thoughtful strategic plan is ALWAYS a key componant to being the next "overnight success", whether that is to be the god or goddess of your back yard, or the next "big thing"

Rule #1 is you have to have a great "product" (book, song, sculpture, painting, play, WHATEVER, the "product" is it better be GREAT!).

Rule #2 Have a strategic plan (this is your "roadmap" clearly identifying the who what where & why the heck people should care about YOU).** more about this later!

Rule #3 Work your ASS off! (this has NEVER changed!)

Rule #4 Be very personable, smile, meet people, develop your fan base....be ready to "pitch"(clearly define what it is you do and why the heck people should care).

The Internet is a huge part of any visual artists strategy. I recently picked up a Time Magazine that had two unrelated articles discussing the internet rise of two young artists using 1 free tool, which served as a springboard to making them two hot new acts.

1) Greyson Michael Chance: a 6th grader in Oklahoma on April 28th 2010 uploaded a video of himself performing Lady GaGa's "Paparazzi" from his school recital- You'll note in the video rul #1 is covered- he kills this song!-
By placing this video on youtube it "went viral" (probably because the kid is amazing) it got 16 million views (I just watched it and it has over 24 million views) Ellen DeGeneris booked him on her show (Lady GaGa called to root for him AND Elite manager Guy Oseary (who represents Madonna) signed him to his roster- and it is reported that he has a recently signed with Lady G's Label Interscope. See the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxDlC7YV5is

2) Justin Beiber: When I first saw this kid on the Red carpet of the Grammy's I wondered who's kid he was? I had really dismissed him as another one of the teen pop tarts being churned out to the masses- WITH 1 difference Justin is the 1st real teen idol of the digital age (his fame can be attributed entirely to the internet).
Not a Disney kid, or someone you had seen in commmercials. At 12 year of Age Justin was competing in local community talent shows in Stratford Ontario Canada. His Single mom began posting his performances on YouTube to share with family members, One performance performing Aretha Franklins Respect caught a the eye of Atlanta Promoter and manager Scooter Braun Two weeks later Scooter flew Justin & his mom out to Atlanta and signed on as Justin's Manager.

The next 6 months Bieber and Braun tirelessly worked on strategically building a fan base and Justin was very involved in being "accessible to his fans" Tweeting, reading fan mail, responding to questions. Despite all this work no one would sign a unknown.

Remember rule #1 to "have a great product?" Justin's talent was soon on the radar of Justin Timberlake who expressed interest in working with him, and so did Usher, who had Justin sing and play guitar for him. (here is the video of that audition: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBnS_381BXo Usher thought his raw talent was amazing for his age and struck a deal with Braun and a Def Jam record contract followed. By the time Justin's 7 song EP was released he had 50 million YouTube Subscribers. * that kind of following is CULTIVATED and requires a detailed strategic plan and LOTS of hard work to achieve this level of success!

** Remember rule #2 "Have a great strategic plan"?
You might not care to be the next Justin Bieber or Greyson Chance- However, ALL visual artists need to have a great strategic plan to achieve ANY level of success. That's when you call me to help you put together YOUR roadmap to success.

Take advantage of another FREE tool you can use to be successful- grab your computer, or video camera and caputure YOU doing what you do best and post it upon Youtube.
If your ready to take on Rule #3 to work your A** off and ready to start your plan to success then EMAIL me your video link telling me who you are and let's get started!

Being Debt Free...

Today is a big day.
I am holding the pink slip to my 2 year old Subaru. I am now completely debt free.
No Credit Cards, No Mtg, No Car payment.

I can now check another thing off "my list"
Putting a line through COMPLETELY DEBT FREE then struck me.
How many people in the world dream of this, but struggle each month to make ends meet only to get further and further behind... They say in America 1/2 of the population has credit card debt and only a 1/3 does not.

I hesitate to share this information, for fear of raising the ire' of my colleagues....

Then, I smiled, realizing I can help add "friends" to the 1/3rd list...

how many big plans do YOU have that NEVER seem to happen.

I know, it's frustrating- it doesn't have to be this way.

I have suffered in the tough times just like everyone else.

Yet, today, I am financially unencumbered!? How does that happen?

Because I created a success plan and STUCK TO IT.

Feeling the urge to go out and buy something frivolous... I splurged and bought a $180 DanElectro guitar- The urge is satisfied, and no debt incurred. win-win.....
Having financial freedom is something everyone deserves. . . don't you think?

When people ask me what I do for a living- " I bring business concepts to creative minds, so they can identify and achieve their success". If you are interested in living debt free- let me help you create a success plan- I can tell you first hand IT WORKS!

Having financial freedom is something everyone deserves. . . don't you think?



I will be in Santa Cruz: June 4-5th and have a few 1 hour consultations still available between performances.

*book your consultation before June 1st and it's only $75.00 ($150 value)-
I support using the following communication tools: Face to Face, Skype, email, texting, carrier pigeon & owls- I am open to what ever works best for YOU.

To schedule your consultation email me at: guitartam@gmail.com

TV as a free promotional tool

Everywhere you turn you are hearing about the importance of using social media to communicate with your fan base.
In the rush to stay on the technology wave you may overlook a FREE (or very nearly free) promotional tool courtesy of your local cable provider. Yup the same folks that suck $150 out of your bank account each month for high speed internet and cable in most communities offer a free service to the members of it's community called "public access television".
In a nutshell you take a couple of courses to learn how to use the equipment, and you have access to a STUDIO- You can use this as an opportunity to shoot a studio style music video for your promotions kit or web site. Camera's, lights, and microphones all at your disposal.
The possibilities are endless with what you can create- Bear in mind that even public access television has to adhere to FCC guidelines-and existing programming schedules however, you still have a wide scope of possibility available to you.

I want to share with you a very successful example of the PATV model being used by a young entertainer named Vinnie Langdon who took advantage of this free community service and has par laid this into a successful 6 year local television program.
Think about that for a moment MOST television shows don't even make it 6 episodes let alone produce on avg 83 shows A YEAR!!!
The Vinnie Langdon show has featured over 500 episodes and thousands of guests including touring performers from American Idol, Paramore, and actors from Film & TV.

As a guest on the show I have a copy of the program that I can use for promotional purposes- as well as 3 individual song performances that can be re-used for press kits / promo purposes and regular airplay on the local public access channel that broadcasts from Sacramento to Fresno

I turned the camera around and interviewed Vinnie because I applaud his entrepreneurial spirit and to find out how YOU can use public access television to promote your upcoming release- or if your touring hook up with the local public access TV station where your touring.

For more information on your local public access Television check with your local cable provider.
Here is a link to 700 sites for public access Television in California: http://www.communitymedia.se/cat/linksca.htm

If your interested in creative strategies for your success let me help!

Now here is the link to my interview with Vinnie:

http://bit.ly/9rAUwM

Missed Opportunities.....FREE TIPS

Missed opportunities are things that folks are not always aware of. Every day opportunity presents itself, and
knowing when to recognize "opportunities" can be the difference between making a living and barely making it.

I am very regularly given cds and promo packs from aspiring and emerging artists for consideration in various projects.
Recently I posted a note on Facebook-to solicitate performing and performance artists that would be interested in being a featured performer at an upcoming Cougar Rock Show. I am interested in featuring some really unique performers that folks HAVEN"T heard from- not just singer songwriters, but plate spinners, dancers, flame throwers, what ever your schtick is.

I have a box overflowing with cd's as we speak, some very forgetable, and some....well they are outstanding!!
Unfortunatly, there are many missed opportunities here.

I am looking at 5 artists who instead of writing this blog I would rather be calling or emailing to book for an show.

All 5 artists have included: 1 sheets (a bio) headshots, and top quality music I can tell that alot of time and money was spend on not only the cd's but the video's and promo sheets. NONE of these submissions have contact info.!!!!!!!!

This seems unbelievable to me as I scan the packaging cd, NOTHING lot's of words but no contact info. WOW!

It's not that working with ME is going to change a career...It might, but best not to put your eggs all in one basket right?These 5 artists will never know, And MAY even think I blew them off, when honestly I simply don't have the time to drop everything and see if I can find contact info on them on the web since it isn't in their packaging.....ANYWHERE!!!

When you are doing EVERYTHING, writing the songs, performing recording, artwork notes, this and that.... you are SO in the middle of it all, and something so simple gets missed. Only this mistake is preventing you from being heard, and getting work.

This is where in a Music Supervisors or producer's office your CD just got tossed, never to be heard). That's an expensive mistake to make hundreds of times as you mail your promo packages.

Let me save you at least $5,000 in my Free Tip of the Day:
($5,000 is my conservative DIY estimate on the minimal cost of to make a indy cd)

FREE TIP OF THE DAY:

Did you know that MOST (over 90%) of press kits get tossed in the trash? This is THE tool that is your calling card, and the item that booking agents, venue operators, managers, etc ALL use to determine if they will or want to work with you.

Your promo kit does not have to be flashy, or expensive, however it MUST be thoughtfully put together to contain the key ingredients to maximize the opportunity for your music to even be heard!

When you are submitting a promo kit to anyone- You will be a missed opportunity UNLESS you include these things.

1) Contact persons name
2) WebSiite of artist
3) phone number (with area code!!!)
4) email address

Your promo kit is your calling card- You may have heard the expression "you never have a 2nd chance to make a 1st impression" it's true.

PROMO KIT ESSENTIALS:

9 times out of 10 an epk (electronic press kit) is the best way to go, Then your prospective clients click on a link and off we go, no plastic, paper, reams of info to sort through. That doesn't change the fact that the information needs to still be top quality AND COMPLETE. Do NOT handwrite on the cd have EVERYTHING professionally printed, no handwriting ISN"T COOL
when people can't read it. Trust me we can tell it's DIY!

Here's what you need professionally prepared:

1) 1 sheet/BIO (this is a PROFESSIONALLY written, not something YOU wrote *this is your 1st impression make it work.) Concise and to the point.
2) Head shot / Band picture (smart artists have it printed on the back of their bio, )
3) CD/DVD * booking people will not pour over each track put a sticker on the case pointing out the #1 or 2 tracks that you want them to hear. When you are screening CD's you want to get right to the point.
4) VIDEO-even if it is shot on a flip camera- something that shows YOU in a performance setting- You can almost be guarenteed you WILL NOT get booked for a performance UNLESS you do include a video of what you look like live, studio recording make folks sound perfect, it is NOT reflective of what YOUR live show is like.
5) Media clippings / quotes- essential for all professionals.

I have helped many individual artist and bands with putting together or revamping their media kits. Your not part of the competition if your promo kit is in a trash can. You need to be able to diffentiate yourself from anyone else doing what YOU DO.
If your interested in success, and not MISSED OPPORTUNITIES. You can schedule a 1 hr consultation with me to have your promo kit reviewed-or create a career changing success plan.


Tamra Engle is a performing songwriter, musician and social entrepreneur offering strategic marketing promotional consulting & performance coaching for artists & bands to help them succeed in the evolving music and entertainment industries.
You can contact her to move your career forward at www.tamraengle.com

CREATING YOUR VISION WKSHP

GuitarTam Music Business Workshop series

WORKSHOP PT 1: CREATING YOUR VISION

Designed to provide new business executives (in any field) the foundation to achieving maximum success.
This program is designed for Artists & Entrepreneur's who are interested in establishing a strong foundation to build a business plan for their careers.

Do you want to be a successful artist or entrepreneur ?
I have an important question to ask you: what does that success look like to you?

YOU WILL LEARN:
- What is your vision?
*Your vision provides you with direction and is the most important factor in achieving success w/ your music or artistic career.
- Your vision provides you w/ direction
- Helps you achieve success faster!
- Artists w/ established visions stop wasting time & money!
- Your vision is the foundation to your PLAN that you build your success upon.
- Exersises and coaching for YOU to develop your vision

May 5th Mudrakers Café 6:30-7:30pm
2801 Telegraph Ave
Berkeley, CA 94701
Limited to 8 registered participants $25.00 / to pre reg. Guests
Tuition due at beginning of workshop:

To Register: http://www.tamraengle.com/contact.php

For information about your instructor: http://www.tamraengle.com/