I hate this question. It’s one we’ve been trying to avoid on Grassrootsy for a while because it’s a hard one to answer and I’m kinda biased. WHAT IS SPOTIFY First we’re not going to blindly assume that everyone reading this post knows what Spotify is. It’s a music streaming service that sells access to [...]
Remember that post from last month: “5 REASONS WHY I GOT A SMART PHONE“? Well today’s reason (this would be #6) trumps them all. We came across Tourch a few months back and we think its one of the most important resources a touring musician will ever lay hold of. what is Tourch? Tourch is [...]
One of our favorite things about writing this blog is getting emails from new companies and start-ups with information on products and resources that are perfect for our readers. Today we get to share Moozar with you. Moozar provides ‘reward’ links that allow artists to be directly rewarded wherever and whenever their songs are played on youtube, [...]
A little over 2 years ago, after running my first Kickstarter campaign, I ran an article called “5 THINGS I LEARNED FROM MY KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN“. I learned some really valuable lessons from my first attempt. This summer I launched a second campaign - a 6-week, $10,000-goal project with 27 different reward levels. 40 days later, Kickstarter [...]
THE ARTIST: Angela Sheik (Wilmington, DE) THE QUESTION: What are your thoughts on written contracts versus verbal agreements? At what point do you suggest having a contract with a venue? A band member? A collaborator? THE ANSWER: This is a really great question! Honestly, if you and I were to do things “by the book”, we [...]
Today’s question comes from Central, PA reader Jenna Gross. THE QUESTION: Do you think the money earned at a gig should be split up equally? What if one member does more – books the shows, gets press so bookings are possible — should all members get paid the same amount? THE ANSWER: Here’s the short answer [...]
____________________ “What if venues cared about their artists as much as they cared about their money? And what if artists cared about their venues as much as they cared about their money? The whole system would be turned around! Everyone would care more, everyone would work towards the best possible show, and because of this, everyone would make [...]
Myself and various Pittsburgh artists/organizations did a feature in Pittsburgh Magazine this month on raising funds via Kickstarter. Check it out!, Maybe you’ll find some ideas that can help you! And then don’t forget to visit one of the most-trafficked posts on our website: “5 Things I Learned From My Kickstarter Campaign”
Today’s question is from a booking agent and its a great one! Don’t forget to send in your questions. I’ll be answering alot of them in the coming weeks. QUESTION: I have an artist who’s asked me to book her venues/coffeehouses. She wants a minimum of $150 per booked coffeehouse gig. Should i lead with [...]
YOUR PHOTOS Be careful of the photos you post…particular anything that could potentially be used as a press photo if it is not intended for that purpose. It will get to a point that you can’t take it back. Your pictures may land on random sites where you will never have a say in whether [...]
Running this blog has been an interesting experience. We always feel like we’re at war with ourselves and our music business theories. One blog says “do or die”, the next says “go with the flow”. Another blog says you should give away music for free, and the next says you should demand payment! What is [...]
…ABOUT YOUR DRAW Never assume that you’re going to get a good turnout at a show…especially when you’re not actively promoting. Liz Rueger of Independent Artist Representatives says it best: “You should go into every show assuming no one has ever heard you.” That said, don’t just expect people to come. This is especially important [...]
Folk/Americana artist Brianna Lane is an independent musician based out of Minneapolis, MN. She’s the author of three self-released, full-length albums and tours full time. She’s opened for several National touring acts including Dar Williams and The Weepies. Brianna is one of the few artist I know who has had success with acquiring patrons (i.e. individuals and organization who fund [...]
Money-related issues are undoubtedly the most-shared frustration among all independent artists. Its hard to fund your art while also trying to fund yourself through your art. This post offers suggestions on how and when to ask for money Asking for Compensation Don’t be afraid to ask for money! If you’re providing a service to people, you [...]
Read the other blogs in this series: Helping Yourself #1 Helping Yourself #2 Helping Yourself #3 Today I went to re-visit Derek Sivers’ ”Nobody’s going to help you“ blog. Make sure to read this blog if you haven’t already. Its got some excellent thoughts and excellent reader comments. Here’s comment by a frustrated reader… Response # 6,780 by Karsten Schwardt “If I [...]
