How would you promote a band online?

134 replies
What would be the most effective way to market and promote a band today? What would a band need to do to stand out from all the other bands online?
#band #online #promote
  • Profile picture of the author windso0
    Originally Posted by JoesMillion View Post

    What would be the most effective way to market and promote a band today? What would a band need to do to stand out from all the other bands online?

    A lot of publicity, this is not the most common and most practical way ?
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    • Profile picture of the author JoesMillion
      Publicity is the end result.

      Originally Posted by windso0 View Post

      A lot of publicity, this is not the most common and most practical way ?
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  • Profile picture of the author WillR
    The best place would definitely be Facebook.

    The trick to marketing is to look at who your typical customer/fan is and where they hang out online. These days in most younger (even a lot of older) demographics this is going to be Facebook and that's why it's a great place to connect with fans.

    Start a fan page and keep posting regular updates about upcoming gigs, new songs, etc to keep the fans in the loop and make them feel part of the whole process.
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    • Profile picture of the author JoesMillion
      I have a facebook page, but that's more for customer retention. As they say, don't sell what has already been sold. BTW, there is a new article out on billboard that shows artists/bands lose fans the more they communicate with fans online. Reason: fans get bored and lose curiosity when they find out the band isn't really interesting.

      What I'm looking to do is get the attention of people who've never heard of me.


      Originally Posted by WillR View Post

      Start a fan page and keep posting regular updates about upcoming gigs, new songs, etc to keep the fans in the loop and make them feel part of the whole process.
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      • Profile picture of the author WillR
        Originally Posted by JoesMillion View Post

        BTW, there is a new article out on billboard that shows artists/bands lose fans the more they communicate with fans online. Reason: fans get bored and lose curiosity when they find out the band isn't really interesting.
        They are not the fans you want to communicate with anyway. If a fan does not care enough about your band to stay updated with latest news and gigs then they aren't a very big fan of your band to start with.

        To say social media is not the best way to connect with fans these days is silly. You are missing the boat big time. Just because it hasn't worked for some people does not mean it is not effective. The way you use social media will determine how effective it is for you and your business.

        We share a lot of interests with our friends and so connecting with new fans is going to happen a lot faster on a site like Facebook when people see their friends connecting with your band.
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        • Profile picture of the author JoesMillion
          This isn't about talking to fans. It's about getting NEW fans who haven't heard the music at all, or even the band name for that matter.

          BTW, I never said anything about social media not being the best to communicate. I didn't even mention social media. The report from billboard does show that the more bands engage their fans, the more they lose interest.

          I do agree that friends sharing with friends is good, but that's something they do. I need things I can do.


          Originally Posted by WillR View Post

          They are not the fans you want to communicate with anyway. If a fan does not care enough about your band to stay updated with latest news and gigs then they aren't a very big fan of your band to start with.

          To say social media is not the best way to connect with fans these days is silly. You are missing the boat big time. Just because it hasn't worked for some people does not mean it is not effective. The way you use social media will determine how effective it is for you and your business.

          We share a lot of interests with our friends and so connecting with new fans is going to happen a lot faster on a site like Facebook when people see their friends connecting with your band.
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      • Profile picture of the author Dan C. Rinnert
        Originally Posted by JoesMillion View Post

        BTW, there is a new article out on billboard that shows artists/bands lose fans the more they communicate with fans online. Reason: fans get bored and lose curiosity when they find out the band isn't really interesting.
        But, are they communicating effectively? Are they really communicating with fans? Is the communication all one-way? Are they boring fans with stuff they don't really care about?

        It is said that something like 90% of new businesses fail. But, what often isn't considered is, how many of those failed businesses had a business plan? How many had sufficient funding? How many researched demand and price points and profitability prior to getting started? How many people just think, hey, this seems like a good idea and jump into something without a clue?

        So, if 90% of businesses fail, does that mean no one should ever try to start one? No. It just means that, to better your chances of being in the 10% that don't fail, you want to really do some research and legwork and collect all the info you can rather than jumping in for the sake of jumping in.

        Likewise, when you say that this article claims bands lose fans the more they communicate with them, that's about as useful as saying 90% of businesses fail. They may simply be communicating poorly.

        Instead, look for success stories of bands that have grown their fan bases through effective communication. What did they do right? Don't worry about what the majority may be doing wrong; look for what the minority is doing right.

        I certainly wouldn't avoid using social media simply because others are failing at using it effectively.
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        • Profile picture of the author JoesMillion
          Don't ask me, find the article on billboard and read it.

          I like SM, I'm on FB and twitter all the time, but me posting on my band page is going to be limited. I'm going to create great content that people will want to share and spread, but first I need those 10K+ fans that will make it work. People here tell me to use Facebook, but I need some stuff I can do directly, not indirectly. Honestly, I only have 43 followers and I don't want to wait on any of them to share stuff. I'd want faster results.


          Originally Posted by Dan C. Rinnert View Post

          But, are they communicating effectively? Are they really communicating with fans? Is the communication all one-way? Are they boring fans with stuff they don't really care about?

          It is said that something like 90% of new businesses fail. But, what often isn't considered is, how many of those failed businesses had a business plan? How many had sufficient funding? How many researched demand and price points and profitability prior to getting started? How many people just think, hey, this seems like a good idea and jump into something without a clue?

          So, if 90% of businesses fail, does that mean no one should ever try to start one? No. It just means that, to better your chances of being in the 10% that don't fail, you want to really do some research and legwork and collect all the info you can rather than jumping in for the sake of jumping in.

          Likewise, when you say that this article claims bands lose fans the more they communicate with them, that's about as useful as saying 90% of businesses fail. They may simply be communicating poorly.

          Instead, look for success stories of bands that have grown their fan bases through effective communication. What did they do right? Don't worry about what the majority may be doing wrong; look for what the minority is doing right.

          I certainly wouldn't avoid using social media simply because others are failing at using it effectively.
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  • Profile picture of the author marchenzo
    I was involved in local band promotion back in the day (the heady days of the early 90's) and yep, FB, social media etc, all good but maybe consider some offline tactics too, we had to use these back then but they would stand you in stead still today.

    So for example, hit Fiverr and you will see lots of gigs of people willing to put up flyers on their campus for whatever the service is, as always, buyer beware, but have a look and you can perhaps generate some offline interest which can supplement and compliment your online efforts.
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    • Profile picture of the author JoesMillion
      Unless there is some way to hear the music, flyers wont work. IMO, flyers have never worked.

      Offline is a bitch for bands. There just isn't any real way to target large groups of people so they can hear your music at the same time. There is radio and TV, but that's controlled programming.



      Originally Posted by marchenzo View Post

      I was involved in local band promotion back in the day (the heady days of the early 90's) and yep, FB, social media etc, all good but maybe consider some offline tactics too, we had to use these back then but they would stand you in stead still today.

      So for example, hit Fiverr and you will see lots of gigs of people willing to put up flyers on their campus for whatever the service is, as always, buyer beware, but have a look and you can perhaps generate some offline interest which can supplement and compliment your online efforts.
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  • Profile picture of the author corsleymaxwell
    For me,.. Promote Your Band Online With the Facebook App BandPage! BandPage offers everything a musician needs keep their fans up-to-date. They can share their music, tour dates, Twitter feed, blog posts, wall, bio, contact info, videos, and pictures.
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    • Profile picture of the author JoesMillion
      What about new people?! I want to reach out to people who've never even heard of my band name. That's the magic. Any band can communicate with fans.



      Originally Posted by corsleymaxwell View Post

      For me,.. Promote Your Band Online With the Facebook App BandPage! BandPage offers everything a musician needs keep their fans up-to-date. They can share their music, tour dates, Twitter feed, blog posts, wall, bio, contact info, videos, and pictures.
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  • Profile picture of the author amenwolf
    I'll say Youtube + facebook.
    Put a song / video up on youtube and start sharing.

    If it's good, the listeners will start sharing and doing the viral work.
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    • Profile picture of the author JoesMillion
      What can i do to get my channel more exposure? I'd rather not wait on people to share.


      Originally Posted by amenwolf View Post

      I'll say Youtube + facebook.
      Put a song / video up on youtube and start sharing.

      If it's good, the listeners will start sharing and doing the viral work.
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      • Profile picture of the author Brian Alaway
        Originally Posted by JoesMillion View Post

        What can i do to get my channel more exposure? I'd rather not wait on people to share.
        Post a (music) video response to some popular music videos, preferably ones with many views.
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        • Profile picture of the author JoesMillion
          Interesting. Would it back fire though?

          Originally Posted by Brian Alaway View Post

          Post a (music) video response to some popular music videos, preferably ones with many views.
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    • Originally Posted by amenwolf View Post

      I'll say Youtube + facebook.
      Put a song / video up on youtube and start sharing.

      If it's good, the listeners will start sharing and doing the viral work.
      I agree with this... definitely video. People are not going follow something that they cannot hear and see. Video is also a great way to get quickly ranked in google. So for example if you were from Dallas you could optimise your video for the term Dallas Band and start to build up a local following first. Video also has that great viral aspect if you make it quirky and interesting.
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    • Profile picture of the author JoesMillion
      I'd rather do it myself. What can they do that I can't?

      Originally Posted by Bradley J Anderson View Post

      Sounds like you just need to hire a publicist, then.
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      • Profile picture of the author The Wizard of Oz
        Originally Posted by JoesMillion View Post

        I'd rather do it myself. What can they do that I can't?
        Errrrrr .... Come up with ideas?
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  • Profile picture of the author jazbo
    Do you mean a group that is promoting to sell more downloads etc?
    Do you mean a "for hire" covers band?
    Do you mean a brass band?!

    The type of band will help people to know what advice to give you.
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    • Profile picture of the author JoesMillion
      Finally, someone who asked questions.

      All the music is free or pay what you want. All original music, mostly alternative.


      Originally Posted by jazbo View Post

      Do you mean a group that is promoting to sell more downloads etc?
      Do you mean a "for hire" covers band?
      Do you mean a brass band?!

      The type of band will help people to know what advice to give you.
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      • I warn you, this is going to be a bit long, but I've honestly racked my brain trying to come up with some things to help. I'm not a musician, and I'm from a different generation, so obviously my scope is a bit limited, too. All I ask is that you keep an open mind and please read all the way through before passing judgment on anything I have said. I hope all this helps:

        Originally Posted by JoesMillion View Post

        I'd rather do it myself. What can they do that I can't?
        Not to be a smart-aleck, but obviously quite a number things, or you wouldn't be asking here. A publicist and/or marketer would have already been on the job by now, utilizing his knowledge and, even more importantly, connections, and you would be seeing the results by now. That's why all the major labels have a publicity and a marketing department.

        The publicist manages the public's perception of the artist. He's the one that tells you things like, "Don't write things like that on Facebook. People will realize you're just normal, and then they won't listen to you anymore. Instead, you should say this or this." Or even, "Look, if you want to sing country music, then you can't wear dresses on stage unless you're women. It won't fly with any country audience." Stupid examples, I know, but you get the point. He keeps you from doing things that will hurt your image, and tells you to do things that will improve your image.

        The marketing department is in charge of getting your name out there, just like we are trying to help you do now. For the most part, marketing is the same regardless of your industry, type of band, etc., it's just that sometimes some methods will work better than others in certain situations.

        You can try to mimic the results of these professionals if you wish, of course, but in all probability you will not achieve the same level of results because you are not a professional. If you're band is serious, it might be time for you guys to take it the next level and invest in a professional management agency, who will then take care of all these things for you.

        Originally Posted by JoesMillion View Post

        Finally, someone who asked questions.

        All the music is free or pay what you want. All original music, mostly alternative.
        Honestly, I really don't think that matters.

        Everything still goes back to IM 101. Doesn't matter what the product is (in this case, your band), the principles are still the same.

        As in most other IM endeavors, a lot of new people think that if they put up a page, the audience will come. I think you're seeing the results of that now.

        Everyone here has given you the same social media answer for a reason: because that's the best answer for a band, especially Youtube.

        But I think the question you really meant to ask was 2 posts ago:
        "What can I do to get my (Youtube?) channel more exposure?"
        As in most other IM endeavors, a lot of new people think that if they put up a page, the audience will come. I think you're seeing the results of that now.

        Since you're a band, you first need to brand yourself, and social media marketing is by far the best way to go since you rely on your social rankings and the feedback of your fans.

        But you also want to bring in new fans, too, which obviously is also very important.

        I'm from a different generation, and don't know a lot about alternative music, so this is where your own experience comes in...

        Before you were a band, when you were just a fan, where did you go (online) to hang out and interact with other fans of alternative music? Where did you go to find out about all the latest up-and-coming alternative bands? Those same places are where you should be focusing your attentions.

        Here is a list of the Top 10 Alternative/Indie blogs. See if you can get your band listed in each of these:

        The Top 10 Alternative and Indie Blogs

        Next we do the same with Alternative/Indie forums such as these:

        http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&biw=1218&bih=564&q=alternative+and+in die+forums&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=

        There also other types of sites that cater to Alt/Indie bands:

        Alternative Press

        Best new indie rock music, top new songs, popular rock bands, best new album releases, free MP3s, playlists & mixes

        There are also paid inclusion sites such as this. If you have the money, you are guaranteed a slot:

        PureVolume™ | We're Listening To You

        Create a Wiki for your band.

        While sales may have slumped, Myspace is far from being dead. Music pages are still the mainstay of their business.

        And don't forget about the other video sites out there, as well. They may not be AS big, but but they still have huge numbers of people coming in every day.

        And finally, and perhaps most important of all, press releases. Which a professional marketer would have known to do almost immediately, but that's because he's already been through these other things enough to know that a lot of times this is the most powerful way to put out an announcement about anything, including a band.

        And if all else fails, post what you need here to find someone to drive targeted traffic to your page:

        http://www.warriorforum.com/wanted-m...king-hire-you/

        Sorry to take you through all this in a round-about way, but since you're obviously a new marketer, and are wanting to try and do this yourself, then you need to know how to leverage ALL these types of sites.

        And finally, the part you don't want to hear but is true, nonetheless:

        A professional music marketer, on the other hand, being highly experienced, would have a giant list already compiled and at his disposal of all of these such places and many, many more, sorted in every way imaginable, and a contact list with names and personal phone numbers of someone in every one of those places. And because they all know each other, they exchange 'favors' for each other all the time.

        Trust me on this: They can get you in places you can NEVER get into by yourself. It's a very exclusive club.

        It seems like a lot of bands 'just got lucky', when actually things turned around when they hired a manager who was smart enough to know the value of good, professional publicists and marketers familiar with the current music scene.

        And why don't you have your Youtube channel listed in your signature box? That's a huge amount of free publicity.

        I've spent the better part of an hour reading, searching, organizing and writing, so I truly hope at least some of this pays off for you.

        Good luck to you and your band mates, JoesMillions.

        What is the name of your band, btw? I'd like to know in case I ever get to hear you on the radio or tv.
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        • Profile picture of the author JoesMillion
          No problem.

          Originally Posted by Bradley J Anderson View Post

          I warn you, this is going to be a bit long, but I've honestly racked my brain trying to come up with some things to help. I'm not a musician, and I'm from a different generation, so obviously my scope is a bit limited, too. All I ask is that you keep an open mind and please read all the way through before passing judgment on anything I have said. I hope all this helps:



          I'm here fishing for new ideas. There tends to be people who will think of something that I might overlook. Most of the time that's not the case, but you never know.

          The album isn't finished yet, wont be until the end of the summer. I've worked for media companies like Hearst Corp in NYC and Tribal DDB on Madison Ave. I'm a retired mad man who wants to start a band for fun and see what happens. Someone like me doesn't need others to do the work that I'm more than overly qualified to do. There is also the indie bible that has all the phone numbers and addresses of every contact a band would ever need. Venues, radio stations, magazines, everything.

          Unlike most bands, I'm working on things wayyy ahead of time, more than any publicist would do for a client. I'm that good. I also don't need a label and paying for everything out of my own pocket. Make sure you don't miss my full page ad in rolling stone. Only $125K.


          Originally Posted by Bradley J Anderson View Post

          Not to be a smart-aleck, but obviously quite a number things, or you wouldn't be asking here. A publicist and/or marketer would have already been on the job by now, utilizing his knowledge and, even more importantly, connections, and you would be seeing the results by now. That's why all the major labels have a publicity and a marketing department.









          You're putting me in a playing field of amateurs. I can put a page up, buy all the advertising I need, and they will come. What exactly am I seeing now?

          Yeah, I can do updates, post videos, maybe someone will share it. MAYBE. I'm looking to put the ball in my hands. SM for bands is only good for fan retention. First you have to earn the fan, it's not like other industries. Apples and Bananas my friend.

          As for YouTube, it's all included in my original post. I already asked.


          Originally Posted by Bradley J Anderson View Post

          Honestly, I really don't think that matters. Everything still goes back to IM 101. Doesn't matter what the product is (in this case, your band), the principles are still the same. As in most other IM endeavors, a lot of new people think that if they put up a page, the audience will come. I think you're seeing the results of that now. Everyone here has given you the same social media answer for a reason: because that's the best answer for a band, especially Youtube. But I think the question you really meant to ask was 2 posts ago: "What can I do to get my (Youtube?) channel more exposure?"




          No place, I've never interacted with other music fans online. Never been my thing. I do plan on buying advertising on almost all music websites though, and then continue to do so with those that get success. All these you list are in the Indie Bible.



          Originally Posted by Bradley J Anderson View Post

          Before you were a band, when you were just a fan, where did you go (online) to hang out and interact with other fans of alternative music? Where did you go to find out about all the latest up-and-coming alternative bands? Those same places are where you should be focusing your attentions. Here is a list of the Top 10 Alternative/Indie blogs.



          Press Releases don't work for new bands at all. A waste of time and money until you have the fan base and following.


          Originally Posted by Bradley J Anderson View Post

          And finally, and perhaps most important of all, press releases. Which a professional marketer would have known to do almost immediately, but that's because he's already been through these other things enough to know that a lot of times this is the most powerful way to put out an announcement about anything, including a band.




          I've won many advertising awards, so did Tribal DDB ;-)


          Originally Posted by Bradley J Anderson View Post

          Sorry to take you through all this in a round-about way, but since you're obviously a new marketer, and are wanting to try and do this yourself, then you need to know how to leverage ALL these types of sites.



          Indie Bible, done!


          Originally Posted by Bradley J Anderson View Post

          And finally, the part you don't want to hear but is true, nonetheless: A professional music marketer, on the other hand, being highly experienced, would have a giant list already compiled and at his disposal of all of these such places and many, many more, sorted in every way imaginable, and a contact list with names and personal phone numbers of someone in every one of those places. And because they all know each other, they exchange 'favors' for each other all the time.


          Booking agent... done.

          Originally Posted by Bradley J Anderson View Post

          Trust me on this: They can get you in places you can NEVER get into by yourself. It's a very exclusive club.


          Nothing is lucky, everything requires action for reaction.


          Originally Posted by Bradley J Anderson View Post

          It seems like a lot of bands 'just got lucky', when actually things turned around when they hired a manager who was smart enough to know the value of good, professional publicists and marketers familiar with the current music scene.

          I would like to know how to get my youtube channel more exposure besides people sharing.

          Band name is still up in the air, waiting to decide when we're done with the album and publish it.

          Originally Posted by Bradley J Anderson View Post

          I've spent the better part of an hour reading, searching, organizing and writing, so I truly hope at least some of this pays off for you. Good luck to you and your band mates, JoesMillions. What is the name of your band, btw? I'd like to know in case I ever get to hear you on the radio or tv.
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  • Profile picture of the author JoesMillion
    Is buying facebook ads the only way I can reach new people on my own?


    Originally Posted by caseyscreen View Post

    If you want to make online brand than Social media sites are the best place to promote it.
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  • Profile picture of the author Claire Sharp
    Publicity! You can do it at Facebook, Twitter and a lot more. This will certainly make you succeed.
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  • Profile picture of the author gorgybowe
    Definitely publicity through facebook. It would also help a lot to find local supproters who would spread the word.
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    • Why don't you try promoting your band with free mp3 downloads, there are lots of people who are seeking for alternative music and bands on Jamendo[dot]com I think you can get awesome exposure there because there's people there with similar taste for music in your category.
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    • Profile picture of the author JoesMillion
      Give me some substance to your advice.


      Originally Posted by gorgybowe View Post

      Definitely publicity through facebook. It would also help a lot to find local supproters who would spread the word.
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  • Profile picture of the author Daniel Harper
    In all seriousness, is there a strong community of musicians where you live? Because working together is often a great way to promote.

    If you're good at organizing, you could pick a charitable cause a bunch of bands could get behind. Then you could all donate some time into putting on a fundraising concert.

    Then you go out there and promote the CAUSE rather than your band. If you can get enough bands onboard, you could probably land yourself an interview on one of the local news stations. The morning producers are often desperate for content ... but they won't put you on if you're just being self promotional.
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  • Profile picture of the author musicaltouch
    I suggest to set up site. You can do this at facebook and even make your own blog.

    Next at Facebook set up a like/reveal page and give away free music to everyone who likes the page.

    On you website I would do the same thing. only set up an email responder to send them free music and updates.

    Now you have started building a fan base.

    That would be step 1 and 2.

    I do not see many bands doing this either.

    Best of Luck
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  • Profile picture of the author WeBJamming
    Well, naturally you are aware of all the possibilities for online promotion but if your asking for my 2 cents, here it is.

    I would take videos of the band performing their music, and post those on YouTube. You could add an opt-in link somewhere for people to subscribe to if they were interested in the band's scheduled performances so they could see them in person. Another great thought would be to hold some type of charity event and have the band play for entertainment. This exposure could lead to some gigs getting lined up for them. And one last thought...maybe make a couple hundred CDs of their songs and pass them out in any high traffic area. All of these suggestions require little to no upfront costs and could earn the band a substantial following.

    Good Luck with that!
    Patrice
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    • Profile picture of the author JoesMillion
      My youtube channel has zero followers, who is going to watch it?


      Originally Posted by WeBJamming View Post

      Well, naturally you are aware of all the possibilities for online promotion but if your asking for my 2 cents, here it is.

      I would take videos of the band performing their music, and post those on YouTube. You could add an opt-in link somewhere for people to subscribe to if they were interested in the band's scheduled performances so they could see them in person. Another great thought would be to hold some type of charity event and have the band play for entertainment. This exposure could lead to some gigs getting lined up for them. And one last thought...maybe make a couple hundred CDs of their songs and pass them out in any high traffic area. All of these suggestions require little to no upfront costs and could earn the band a substantial following.

      Good Luck with that!
      Patrice
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  • Profile picture of the author unclejoe
    I believe YouTube and other video websites is where you should concentrate your time and make sure you comment on other peoples videos without spamming to get people to your channel.
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    • Profile picture of the author Tom Lazenby
      Three things...

      1. Make cool interesting cover versions, make them into videos and post them to youtube. Like these guys have. They sold over 200,000 downloads on iTunes last year and they did it all by themselves.

      2. Read this blog post, from Hypebot

      3. Check out Ariel Publicity, she has a couple of books you really need to read.
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      • Profile picture of the author JoesMillion
        I love Pomplamoose. They got the Toyota commercial cause of it.

        I'm only going to use my songs for videos. This does prove that you need overly entertaining videos to get your videos shared.

        #2. His story isn't new, just pointed out. Bands have been doing this for years, remember MP3.com?

        #3. The indie bible has all her contacts.


        Originally Posted by chameleon View Post

        Three things...

        1. Make cool interesting cover versions, make them into videos and post them to youtube. Like these guys have. They sold over 200,000 downloads on iTunes last year and they did it all by themselves.

        2. Read this blog post, from Hypebot

        3. Check out Ariel Publicity, she has a couple of books you really need to read.
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      • Profile picture of the author JoesMillion
        That's one thing I'm not going to do... cover songs. Just not an option cause I like to stay original.

        Online is actually more effective than tours now. Tour revenue has been falling drastically. What should blow them away is the song writing and studio recordings. Have that, and the rest is practically handed to you.

        Check out what billboard said about bands doing too many updates. Not good at all for fan retention.



        Originally Posted by Greg Wildermuth View Post

        This is super spot-on. Cover songs by bands that your fans like. Put them on Youtube and they'll find ya.

        I'd say don't do too many Facebook posts. Even bands I like, I stop paying attention if they're sending me updates daily.

        And don't get off-track: online band marketing is never going to get you as far as blowing people away live, touring, getting your recordings out (both online and offline) and networking with other bands. In my experience, online band promotion helps, but you still gotta get out there and blow them away.
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  • Profile picture of the author garyv
    Several people have mentioned facebook, and you have written it off as not being good for finding new people. Why?

    I've made band pages for several bands and artist, and they're receiving tons of new followers all of the time. And these are people that have never even heard of them. One of the biggest tips is to upload videos to your page. Do not post youtube links, but actually upload the videos to the page. Videos uploaded to your fanpage will have a "like" link right on the video that links to your fanpage. Then when your regular fans share the video on their pages, it exposes all of their friends/family to your fanpage and band. If your band is any good, uploading fanpage videos WILL attract new fans.

    If you can't attract new fans w/ a facebook fanpage, then you should probably consider a new career/hobby.
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    • Profile picture of the author JoesMillion
      Facebook band followers.... zero. Tell me how I can find new people on facebook with zero followers. My thinking is to just buy ads, which is the plan for that campaign.



      Originally Posted by garyv View Post

      Several people have mentioned facebook, and you have written it off as not being good for finding new people. Why?
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      • Profile picture of the author garyv
        Originally Posted by JoesMillion View Post

        Facebook band followers.... zero. Tell me how I can find new people on facebook with zero followers. My thinking is to just buy ads, which is the plan for that campaign.
        It does make it a little more difficult when you start out, but once you get a few, it almost grows by itself if you maintain it.

        One good way to get new followers is to join other similar band pages w/ your page, and then leave comments. Every time you comment, you automatically leave a link back to your fanpage. People will follow the link, and if the music is similar will likely "like" your page.

        But also - facebook advertising is a good way to get a good kick-start. You don't have to keep the ads going but long enough to get things rolling.
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  • Profile picture of the author kamalmix
    You can use social media, video marketing, or of you have good budget, you can place your band in top 5 on famous websites
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    • Profile picture of the author JoesMillion
      I don't know what you mean. Can you explain?


      Originally Posted by kamalmix View Post

      if you have good budget, you can place your band in top 5 on famous websites
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  • Profile picture of the author KunTaoM
    Facebook and Myspace are two great ways of promoting a band. Myspace is still decent to some extent, but it's not as good as facebook these days.

    One service that lets you sell your music for free is bandcamp. They get a 15% out of whatever you make, but it lowers to %10 after you make a certain amount.

    It's a great service, it might help your band. Also I hear soundcloud is somewhat good for promoting a band.
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  • Profile picture of the author alcymart
    Branding of the Band name is the way to go. The Band name must be advertised in a big way.

    Bernard
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    • Profile picture of the author JoesMillion
      Not what I asked, but ok.


      Originally Posted by alcymart View Post

      Branding of the Band name is the way to go. The Band name must be advertised in a big way.

      Bernard
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  • Profile picture of the author SocialMediaOwls
    Joe we do fast track band promo all the time...in fact, we just started one 3 days ago with Logan Mader (from Machine Head) who is starting a new band called Consume The Fire NU METAL BANDS | THRASH METAL | BASEBALL SONGS | CONSUME THE FIRE and if you do the age check on all the social media/web accounts, you'll see they were all created in the last week.

    Main veins you want to hit are Myspace, Twitter, FB, YouTube and Reverbnation. We can usually get thousands of fans/followers in all of these within weeks and the band is up and running.
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    • Profile picture of the author JoesMillion
      Don't name drop, just tell me exactly what you did.


      Originally Posted by SocialMediaOwls View Post

      Joe we do fast track band promo all the time...in fact, we just started one 3 days ago with Logan Mader (from Machine Head) who is starting a new band called Consume The Fire NU METAL BANDS | THRASH METAL | BASEBALL SONGS | CONSUME THE FIRE and if you do the age check on all the social media/web accounts, you'll see they were all created in the last week.

      Main veins you want to hit are Myspace, Twitter, FB, YouTube and Reverbnation. We can usually get thousands of fans/followers in all of these within weeks and the band is up and running.
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  • Profile picture of the author Serenity090
    Develop a CD and put on Amazon...After that promote it extensively by using different medias...Youtube,Facebook,Google etc...
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  • Profile picture of the author SocialMediaOwls
    I did just tell you what I did...

    Setup the website, reverbnation, youtube, twitter and fb accounts with all info and then beefed up the numbers with targeted followers. Don't know how to get targeted followers? There are tons of posts here on the forum of the best software for each platform to use.
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  • Profile picture of the author leiden
    YouTube alone can get a band all the publicity they need. Add Twitter, Facebook and you are all set. But obvioulsy this would work only if the band is good.
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    • Profile picture of the author JoesMillion
      Give me some substance to your advice.

      IMO, the music is the only marketing material you need. The reasons bands hire people like Ariel is because their music sucks.


      Originally Posted by leiden View Post

      YouTube alone can get a band all the publicity they need. Add Twitter, Facebook and you are all set. But obvioulsy this would work only if the band is good.
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  • Profile picture of the author s.MAX
    What I am missing from the countless great suggestions and what you already state(know?) is that you have 0 followers on youtube and facebook.

    In my opinion....that is your problem, noone wants to be the first to arrive at the party.

    Hint: to get a forum going you have to "prime" it with users and posts.

    You have to do the same with youtube and facebook/twitter.

    3 ways to "prime":
    -1 fake accounts & posts (multiple softwares and services for that)
    -2 buy established accounts with real (50% or more) users and let that account "love" your videos / fanpages (and share them with their followers/fans/etc.
    -3 find users with similar interests (type of music) and try to friend them (for it to work you have to do this in an automated way)

    I prefer to doing all three

    You also have to increase the views of your videos/ fanpages so they will "float up"
    (synchronized with the new friends/followers/watchamacallits)

    For bands I also like Pandora hxxp://blog.pandora.c0m/faq/contents/31.html and other streaming music suggestion sites. From the beginning don't make your musical niche too small (you want people to be exposed to your music)

    AFTER you have this "user experience" up and going on youtube/facebook/myspace/etc/etc then you need to ratchet up the other normal im stuff (tweets from numerous people(fans)/blogs/articles/press releases etc, etc), because once you start getting the fans....they start saying something about you, right? (looks natural)

    Hope that helps.

    PS. If you can, make some of your videos fun live performances(vibe), and don't link you tube videos into the other services, post the videos separately in each service.
    Flickr photostream of live performances(more for retention, but can also get new fans if done correctly), etc.
    PsPs. in another country and a former life I promoted and managed a couple of "indie"(niche) bands to the top of their niche, mainly thru the internet.....That's actually what got me into IM, Funny to see your question.
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    • Profile picture of the author JoesMillion
      Music isn't done yet, so I can't even address this. Party can't even start until the music is done. But I do get your point, I've started a few forums myself with tons of hired posters.


      Originally Posted by s.MAX View Post

      What I am missing from the countless great suggestions and what you already state(know?) is that you have 0 followers on youtube and facebook. In my opinion....that is your problem, noone wants to be the first to arrive at the party. Hint: to get a forum going you have to "prime" it with users and posts.
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  • Profile picture of the author dndoseller
    I use every tool I have learned here on wf. Seo, blogging, backlinks, etc its all here. Outsourcing every thing but creating music is most important. Start w fiverr move up to wsos. Forget everything industry people and other musicians say. Learn and adopt everthing IM.
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    • Profile picture of the author Ross Kenny
      Book venues, pubs etc. Keep it simple and build a following.
      Play anywhere you can. Bandstands, street corners, etc.

      Give out free cd's to those interested with your facebook fan page
      and blog url on the cover. Get a following. This is still list building.

      Use youtube and embed the video onto your facebook and blog.

      Find you hook. Your USP. What do you do that's so different to all
      the other bands out there.

      Go and find your demographic. If it's students then go and give them
      free tickets, beer, etc. Book underground raves for them and party the pants
      off them. They'll all be talking about you the next day. They'll be on
      their facebooks talking about you.

      You really need facebook as it's so viral and that's what a band/artist
      needs nowadays,.

      If you are good people will follow you...

      Here's an example of a guy who's done it all from scratch by standing
      on streets and travelling the world

      http://www.dubfx.net/


      This is him playing on the streets getting a following (check his youtube views out)

      http://www.youtube.com/convoyunltd#p/a/f/0/hyEr1oZovUE



      Have you got anything we could listen to??? upload it
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      • Profile picture of the author JoesMillion
        I'm not going to bandhandle for fans on a street corner or malls. That's not apart of my image.

        I'd also like to skip all the kid talk about finding a hook. Give me some good ideas to market online. I want to stand out, not be like every other band on facebook bandhandling.







        Originally Posted by Ross Kenny View Post

        Book venues, pubs etc. Keep it simple and build as following.
        Play anywhere you can. Bandstands, street corners, etc.

        Give out free cd's to those interested with your facebook fan page
        and blog url on the cover. Get a following. This is still list building.

        Use youtube and embed the video onto your facebook and blog.

        Find you hook. Your USP. What do you do that's so different to all
        the other bands out there.

        Go and find your demographic. If it's students then go and give them
        free tickets, beer, etc. Book illegal raves for them and party the pants
        off them. They'll all be talking about you the next day. They'll be on
        their facebooks talking about you.

        You really need facebook as it's so viral and that's what a band/artist
        needs nowadays,.

        If you are good people will follow you...

        This guy done it all from scratch by standing on streets and travelling
        the world - That's all he's needed to get off the ground.

        Dub Fx

        Go take a leaf out of his book

        This is him playing on the streets getting a following -

        YouTube - ‪convoyunltd's Channel‬‏
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        • Profile picture of the author Ross Kenny
          Originally Posted by JoesMillion View Post

          I'm not going to bandhandle for fans on a street corner or malls. That's not apart of my image.

          ok, what is your image??

          What kind of music do you produce. Any samples??
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          • Profile picture of the author SocialMediaOwls
            [QUOTE=Ross Kenny;3922949]ok, what is your image??

            QUOTE]

            At the Hollywood Music in Media Awards Conference last November I sat on a panel for Social Media awareness/building targeted for musicians.

            In that hour I stated:

            "If you don't make any money, you don't have an image"

            I'm the CEO of a multi-million dollar software company and if someone proposed an "image" change that would net me $5 more, I would change my image.

            Don't be stupid.
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            • Profile picture of the author JoesMillion
              I don't need money, that I already have. I'm already rich, spending $125K out of my own pocket for a full page ad in rolling stone. Call me stupid, but I'm doing this for fun. **** money.



              Originally Posted by SocialMediaOwls View Post


              At the Hollywood Music in Media Awards Conference last November I sat on a panel for Social Media awareness/building targeted for musicians.

              In that hour I stated:

              "If you don't make any money, you don't have an image"

              I'm the CEO of a multi-million dollar software company and if someone proposed an "image" change that would net me $5 more, I would change my image.

              Don't be stupid.
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          • Profile picture of the author JoesMillion
            Much like NIN, dark and mysterious.

            Album wont be done until the end of the summer.

            Originally Posted by Ross Kenny View Post

            ok, what is your image??

            What kind of music do you produce. Any samples??
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            • Profile picture of the author Ross Kenny
              Originally Posted by JoesMillion View Post

              Much like NIN, dark and mysterious.

              Album wont be done until the end of the summer.

              you got any samples or a promo, just to get a feel for your music

              PM me if you don't want to post it publicaly.. Would love to hear
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              • Profile picture of the author JoesMillion
                I have my rough mixes, but I'm not letting anyone listen until the album is done.


                Originally Posted by Ross Kenny View Post

                you got any samples or a taster
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              • Profile picture of the author Ross Kenny
                Originally Posted by Ross Kenny View Post

                you got any samples or a promo, just to get a feel for your music

                PM me if you don't want to post it publicaly.. Would love to hear

                Go on :rolleyes:
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                • Profile picture of the author JoesMillion
                  I'll be posting some on my facebook page as I finish them. Until then, it's a secret. Hired a kick ass song writer from LA, it's good.

                  Rock With Us

                  Originally Posted by Ross Kenny View Post

                  Go on :rolleyes:
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    • Profile picture of the author BeauJustin
      I have followed the band la Dispute for quite a while, and I love they way they initially started their fanbase.

      This may not work in all areas, but it could. They're from Grand Rapids, which is a largish area.

      They partnered with a lot of local bands in the same genre (each with small but growing fanbases) and started playing anywhere and everywhere they could.

      If you search on youtube for "la Dispute live" a bunch of their shows look like they were shot in someone's basement. That's because they were.

      They started doing "spring up" shows with these bands. They would Tweet and Facebook their fans that a show was happening literally sometimes with just a days notice. With three or four bands and 40 or 50 fans from each, that makes for a fine show in a small venue. They shared their fanbase online as well with FB and Twitter.

      It grew like a virus from there to surrounding cities and counties.

      Truly, it will always come down to the music. If the music is good, and, at least for this approach, if the show is great, you'll gain and keep followers, on and offline. This is a great way to get in front of a receptive crowd. I would say this is significantly better than the bar scene.

      la Dispute is so good they actually left behind most of the band they used to gig with.

      On another note, Bandcamp.com is a great place for new musicians to release music.

      Anyway, hope that helps. Good luck!
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    • Profile picture of the author totalpakage
      ReverbNation is definitely the way to go
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    • Profile picture of the author sethdrebitko
      First I'd find pod casters and vlogers and offer to record short intro/outro songs for them free if they pimp you.

      Second let people pay with a tweet (Can't post links yet) for your first track.

      Third tell them if they subscribe to your newsletter update you'll send them the rest of the album track by track as it is finished being recorded.

      Fourth take the slowly growing number of news list members/fans and make them want to help spread your music.
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  • Profile picture of the author Tom Lazenby
    Hmmm, from reading all these posts and seeing all the great advice people have been giving and your less than appreciative answers, I think you're probably looking for the answer that doesn't exist.

    For example, of course all of Ariel's contacts are in the Indie Bible, the difference is, Ariel has RELATIONSHIPS with those contacts. Without her, you're just another of the million faceless artists that wind up on their desks.

    Do yourself a favour, stop looking at all these options in the negative. Choose a method that works and go do it. I wholeheartedly recommend Ariel's books, they will help you.
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    • Profile picture of the author JoesMillion
      Saying someone can't do something on their own is a weak excuse. How can it be negative if I want to do it on my own? Looking at all that she does, it's very simple, and all the contacts are in the Indie Bible. It's not that hard to pick up a phone you know and build a relationship for anyone.

      Besides, if my music is good, it would be better to build relationships directly. Most bands fail cause of bad management, or lack of. I can manage my own stuff a lot better than anyone else.



      Originally Posted by chameleon View Post

      Hmmm, from reading all these posts and seeing all the great advice people have been giving and your less than appreciative answers, I think you're probably looking for the answer that doesn't exist.

      For example, of course all of Ariel's contacts are in the Indie Bible, the difference is, Ariel has RELATIONSHIPS with those contacts. Without her, you're just another of the million faceless artists that wind up on their desks.

      Do yourself a favour, stop looking at all these options in the negative. Choose a method that works and go do it. I wholeheartedly recommend Ariel's books, they will help you.
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      • Profile picture of the author sodette1
        Originally Posted by JoesMillion View Post

        Saying someone can't do something on their own is a weak excuse. How can it be negative if I want to do it on my own? Looking at all that she does, it's very simple, and all the contacts are in the Indie Bible. It's not that hard to pick up a phone you know and build a relationship for anyone.

        Besides, if my music is good, it would be better to build relationships directly. Most bands fail cause of bad management, or lack of. I can manage my own stuff a lot better than anyone else.
        I just had to chime in here...

        1. JoesMillion - Wearing all of the hats isn't impossible, true -- it's just not very intelligent. Can Mr. Amazing do it all? Sure, but the truth is, nobody can juggle all of the balls all of the time. Imagine just one ball slipping - they all come crashing down. Good luck with that.

        2. You said "It's not that hard to pick up a phone you know and build a relationship for anyone." LOL - What rock to you live under? If you call me out of nowhere or send me a solicitation email uninvited - "click goes the phone and delete goes the mail." Building relationships takes time and I can tell you from experience - being introduced by someone who recommends you and who already has a relationship is soooooo much easier.

        3. Earlier, and this is probably why I feel compelled to even bother commenting, you said Facebook and social media sites wasn't good for bands and that your quoted article stated something like "...fans lost interest when they realized the band wasn't that interesting." or something like that. Uhm... errr... the Social Media site didn't fail, the band did. If you don't create some mystery or controversy or mission, reason, or purpose in your band or music - how can Twitter or Facebook be blamed. Duh.

        4. You said "Besides, if my music is good, it would be better to build relationships directly. Most bands fail cause of bad management, or lack of. I can manage my own stuff a lot better than anyone else." Wow... sorry man, but you are either really inexperience, super egotistical, or like... what? 17 years old?

        Here's something to thnk about... kinda similar to music. Maybe you can find something of value here?

        My art is collected in many corporate collections around the US... I was the President of the Board of Directors for a very successful non-profit arts business and I've seen artists come and go - many of them.

        One thing that I saw however, many, many times - was artists who couldn't get representation from galleries who just didn't feel that their art was marketable.

        Not that the art was bad or anything, just not marketable.

        I've also seen really great artists who wanted to put their art in solo galleries dedicated to their art only.

        So, what did these artists do?

        They started their own galleries!

        Seems logical enough, right? But it's not.

        Creating art, like playing music, is a creative thing. Most artists I know are really good at being creative.

        Managing a business, paying bills, doing taxes, marketing, legal requirements and insurances, leases, administration, sales, talking to businesses in a suit all cleaned up and during business hours to present the latest art works, getting buyers, setting prices, blah, blah, blah,....
        well... these are NOT creative, they are stiflingly NON-creative.

        And, to date I have seen only two of my friends or fellow artists succeed at owning and running a gallery - both have full time managers and sales staff and accountants.

        It's a totally different set of tools needed - the disciplines are not even close.

        All of the other artists came to HATE owning a gallery... it took so much time and energy away from creating art.

        In fact, they couldn't create art anymore, they just didn't have the time and when they did - all of the creative juices were gone.

        All failed to succeed as gallery owners eventually, but the two above with resources who were smart enough to OWN the galleries and hire experts to run them.

        Managers in music are there for a reason - artists would run their own businesses in the ground for the most part and ruin any hope of their success. Ego doen't make for success.

        And... any great business owner is smart enough to hire experts better than he is to do what they do better than he can do it.

        Sure, you can do all of the things, so can many entrepreneurs, that doesn't mean it's intelligent to do so.

        Play your drums, rip your lead, bone your base, blow your horns and sing your songs - alone. Tell me... just can you do all of those things, does that mean you should be a one man band?

        Anyway... stick to what you do best, outsource or hire experts to do the rest.

        Life is so much better in the end and you'll grow exponentially closer to achieving your wildest goals if you do.

        After more than 27 years of brick and mortar business and art - that's what I've seen anyway. Hope it helps you keep it in the middle of the road, those soft shoulders are hell if you get stuck in 'em.
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        • Profile picture of the author tpw
          Originally Posted by sodette1 View Post

          4. You said "Besides, if my music is good, it would be better to build relationships directly. Most bands fail cause of bad management, or lack of. I can manage my own stuff a lot better than anyone else." Wow... sorry man, but you are either really inexperience, super egotistical, or like... what? 17 years old?

          He said that??? Haha... That is what I get for skimming this thread...

          Most bands do fail because of bad management... Just as most businesses fail because of bad management...

          And most often, the manager that fails them is themselves.
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          • Profile picture of the author JoesMillion
            Gee, thanks captain obvious.


            Originally Posted by tpw View Post


            Most bands do fail because of bad management... Just as most businesses fail because of bad management...
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        • Profile picture of the author JoesMillion
          Off topic, you sure did waste a lot of time typing that. If you want to argue with me, be to the point. Save the banter for amateurs.




          Originally Posted by sodette1 View Post

          I just had to chime in here...

          1. JoesMillion - Wearing all of the hats isn't impossible, true -- it's just not very intelligent. Can Mr. Amazing do it all? Sure, but the truth is, nobody can juggle all of the balls all of the time. Imagine just one ball slipping - they all come crashing down. Good luck with that.

          2. You said "It's not that hard to pick up a phone you know and build a relationship for anyone." LOL - What rock to you live under? If you call me out of nowhere or send me a solicitation email uninvited - "click goes the phone and delete goes the mail." Building relationships takes time and I can tell you from experience - being introduced by someone who recommends you and who already has a relationship is soooooo much easier.

          3. Earlier, and this is probably why I feel compelled to even bother commenting, you said Facebook and social media sites wasn't good for bands and that your quoted article stated something like "...fans lost interest when they realized the band wasn't that interesting." or something like that. Uhm... errr... the Social Media site didn't fail, the band did. If you don't create some mystery or controversy or mission, reason, or purpose in your band or music - how can Twitter or Facebook be blamed. Duh.

          4. You said "Besides, if my music is good, it would be better to build relationships directly. Most bands fail cause of bad management, or lack of. I can manage my own stuff a lot better than anyone else." Wow... sorry man, but you are either really inexperience, super egotistical, or like... what? 17 years old?

          Here's something to thnk about... kinda similar to music. Maybe you can find something of value here?

          My art is collected in many corporate collections around the US... I was the President of the Board of Directors for a very successful non-profit arts business and I've seen artists come and go - many of them.

          One thing that I saw however, many, many times - was artists who couldn't get representation from galleries who just didn't feel that their art was marketable.

          Not that the art was bad or anything, just not marketable.

          I've also seen really great artists who wanted to put their art in solo galleries dedicated to their art only.

          So, what did these artists do?

          They started their own galleries!

          Seems logical enough, right? But it's not.

          Creating art, like playing music, is a creative thing. Most artists I know are really good at being creative.

          Managing a business, paying bills, doing taxes, marketing, legal requirements and insurances, leases, administration, sales, talking to businesses in a suit all cleaned up and during business hours to present the latest art works, getting buyers, setting prices, blah, blah, blah,....
          well... these are NOT creative, they are stiflingly NON-creative.

          And, to date I have seen only two of my friends or fellow artists succeed at owning and running a gallery - both have full time managers and sales staff and accountants.

          It's a totally different set of tools needed - the disciplines are not even close.

          All of the other artists came to HATE owning a gallery... it took so much time and energy away from creating art.

          In fact, they couldn't create art anymore, they just didn't have the time and when they did - all of the creative juices were gone.

          All failed to succeed as gallery owners eventually, but the two above with resources who were smart enough to OWN the galleries and hire experts to run them.

          Managers in music are there for a reason - artists would run their own businesses in the ground for the most part and ruin any hope of their success. Ego doen't make for success.

          And... any great business owner is smart enough to hire experts better than he is to do what they do better than he can do it.

          Sure, you can do all of the things, so can many entrepreneurs, that doesn't mean it's intelligent to do so.

          Play your drums, rip your lead, bone your base, blow your horns and sing your songs - alone. Tell me... just can you do all of those things, does that mean you should be a one man band?

          Anyway... stick to what you do best, outsource or hire experts to do the rest.

          Life is so much better in the end and you'll grow exponentially closer to achieving your wildest goals if you do.

          After more than 27 years of brick and mortar business and art - that's what I've seen anyway. Hope it helps you keep it in the middle of the road, those soft shoulders are hell if you get stuck in 'em.
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          • Profile picture of the author CDarklock
            Originally Posted by JoesMillion View Post

            If you want to argue with me, be to the point.
            Nobody cares about you anymore. You have no clue what you're doing, and for someone who said most bands fail through bad relationship management, you're sure pissing on a lot of people in here.

            Essentially, the thread only continues for the benefit of others who may be more clueful... and anyone specifically directing posts at you is probably doing it for his own amusement, not for your benefit.
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  • Profile picture of the author simonbuzz
    Banned
    I also think facebook is the best place to promote a band using a fan page...
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    • Profile picture of the author JoesMillion
      As others have said, people just wont go to your page. Give me some substance to your advice.


      Originally Posted by simonbuzz View Post

      I also think facebook is the best place to promote a band using a fan page...
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    • Profile picture of the author JoesMillion
      As others have said, people just wont go to your page. Give me some substance to your advice.


      Originally Posted by simonbuzz View Post

      I also think facebook is the best place to promote a band using a fan page...
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  • Profile picture of the author Online Ninja
    Put lots of Videos at You Tube .... give away free cd's ...
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    • Profile picture of the author JoesMillion
      No CDs, but it will be free online.... if you join the mailing list.

      Definitely doing LOTS of youtube videos, maybe some adult movies as well.


      Originally Posted by Online Ninja View Post

      Put lots of Videos at You Tube .... give away free cd's ...
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  • Profile picture of the author SocialMediaOwls
    If you have that much dough, just hire someone who knows what they are doing and put in the contract that they have to run everything through you and you maintain full control and all rights. Quite simple.
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    • Profile picture of the author JoesMillion
      Eventually I will, but I'd like to learn more before I give control. I want to make sure I'm not in the dark like most bands who get ****ed my their managers.


      Originally Posted by SocialMediaOwls View Post

      If you have that much dough, just hire someone who knows what they are doing and put in the contract that they have to run everything through you and you maintain full control and all rights. Quite simple.
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      • Profile picture of the author SocialMediaOwls
        Originally Posted by JoesMillion View Post

        Eventually I will, but I'd like to learn more before I give control. I want to make sure I'm not in the dark like most bands who get ****ed my their managers.
        I'm working with a guy right now called SJ at SJ - Official Music Website and he is a former attorney who decided he wanted to get out of that and do what he has always wanted to do, which is make music.

        He has full control, maintains full rights and calls all the shots. Just get some good solid contracts drawn up and then look for help.
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        • Profile picture of the author JoesMillion
          I don't need any contracts. They don't do the job, fired. The only thing you need a contract for are productions or licensing, which case you'll always need a lawyer to look at it. To avoid paying the lawyer, have it added to the agreement that they pay for it.


          Originally Posted by SocialMediaOwls View Post

          I'm working with a guy right now called SJ at SJ - Official Music Website and he is a former attorney who decided he wanted to get out of that and do what he has always wanted to do, which is make music.

          He has full control, maintains full rights and calls all the shots. Just get some good solid contracts drawn up and then look for help.
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  • Profile picture of the author TryBPO
    So I recently stumbled across this guy named Derek Sivers. (He was the founder of cd baby, has done talks at TED, travels a bit, and has an amazingly insightful blog)

    He's an artist himself and often writes and creates amazingly insightful articles and videos that blend music and entrepreneurship that includes marketing.

    Derek Sivers

    I HIGHLY recommend checking his site out. It's not just a music site, though...most of what he does would apply insanely well to what most of us do here. Here's the video that first hooked me:


    It's like a voyeuristic look into the core of movements...a must watch.
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    • Profile picture of the author Ross Kenny
      Originally Posted by TryBPO View Post

      So I recently stumbled across this guy named Derek Sivers. (He was the founder of cd baby, has done talks at TED, travels a bit, and has an amazingly insightful blog)

      He's an artist himself and often writes and creates amazingly insightful articles and videos that blend music and entrepreneurship that includes marketing.

      Derek Sivers

      I HIGHLY recommend checking his site out. It's not just a music site, though...most of what he does would apply insanely well to what most of us do here. Here's the video that first hooked me:

      YouTube - ‪First Follower: Leadership Lessons from Dancing Guy‬‏

      It's like a voyeuristic look into the core of movements...a must watch.
      Seen this video before. Crazy hey... Love it.

      So true about people following others once the social proof is there.
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    • Profile picture of the author JoesMillion
      I've known about him since he started CD baby, my record label has used them in the past, but they're not selling well now. CDs are gone, not like 1997 when he started the website. If he was really smart, he would have seen that coming like I did. He sold the website to Disc Makers, which is probably the only good thing he did. I can't believe Disc Makers was dumb enough lol. Not saying he isn't a good guy, but this isn't 1997, and he isn't saying anything that I can't find in a marketing text book.

      What I'm looking for are specific ideas, got those?




      Originally Posted by TryBPO View Post

      So I recently stumbled across this guy named Derek Sivers. (He was the founder of cd baby, has done talks at TED, travels a bit, and has an amazingly insightful blog)

      He's an artist himself and often writes and creates amazingly insightful articles and videos that blend music and entrepreneurship that includes marketing.

      Derek Sivers

      I HIGHLY recommend checking his site out. It's not just a music site, though...most of what he does would apply insanely well to what most of us do here. Here's the video that first hooked me:

      YouTube - ‪First Follower: Leadership Lessons from Dancing Guy‬‏

      It's like a voyeuristic look into the core of movements...a must watch.
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      • Profile picture of the author Tom Lazenby
        Originally Posted by JoesMillion View Post

        CDs are gone, not like 1997 when he started the website. If he was really smart, he would have seen that coming like I did. He sold the website to Disc Makers, which is probably the only good thing he did.
        I can't believe people are still offering someone like you advice.

        *Smacks forehead*
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        • Profile picture of the author JoesMillion
          Tell me about it lol



          Originally Posted by chameleon View Post

          I can't believe people are still offering someone like you advice.

          *Smacks forehead*
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        • Profile picture of the author CDarklock
          Originally Posted by chameleon View Post

          I can't believe people are still offering someone like you advice.
          The advice is no longer for the OP, but for people using the search to get an answer to the same question.

          Every thread on this forum is bigger than the participants.
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          • Profile picture of the author JoesMillion
            I like you.


            Originally Posted by CDarklock View Post

            The advice is no longer for the OP, but for people using the search to get an answer to the same question.

            Every thread on this forum is bigger than the participants.
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            • Profile picture of the author CDarklock
              Originally Posted by JoesMillion View Post

              I like you.
              Signature
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  • Profile picture of the author Tom Lazenby
    I'm just gonna roll my eyes and chalk this up as another one of "those that can't be helped."

    I'm afraid I smell BS on this. If you really have as much cash as you claim, Ariel's fees would be a drop in the ocean.
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    • Profile picture of the author JoesMillion
      LOL. This topic isn't about money, and Ariel's fees are a drop in the bucket, but there are many more better than her... so she wont get hired. I also can do her job 10 times better. Besides, this topic wasn't titled "who should I hire do the work for me cause I'm dumb and lazy".

      As for that smell, it's your upper lip ;-)

      IMO, no one has really offered help. Telling me to use facebook and youtube over and over again is pointless. As billboard said, facebook can actually be bad for bands.


      Originally Posted by chameleon View Post

      I'm just gonna roll my eyes and chalk this up as another one of "those that can't be helped." I'm afraid I smell BS on this. If you really have as much cash as you claim, Ariel's fees would be a drop in the ocean.
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  • Profile picture of the author dagaul101
    Easiest way is to join, Myspace and upload some of your music, as well as Youtube, stars such as Charice (she plays Sunshine Carazon on Glee) was found that way
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  • Profile picture of the author Robert X
    Youtube. Ever heard of Justin Beiber?
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    • Profile picture of the author Ross Kenny
      Originally Posted by Robert X View Post

      Youtube. Ever heard of Justin Beiber?

      Well there's always that if you good at what you do.

      Simon Cowel searches Youtube daily looking for up and coming artists.
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      • Profile picture of the author VegasVince
        You utilize the medium known as YOUTUBE and REVERSE ENGINEER those who have crushed it.

        It's easy to tell someone to promote on YOUTUBE....seldom is there ever a strategy given.

        I am going to give you two specific examples of two artists who are radically different....and not just in terms of genre.

        And RULE NUMBER ONE......."differentiate or die".

        Do what the masses of asses do and you will get buried in a sea of YouTube obscurity........

        Have the courage to do it the Frank Sinatra...YOUR WAY.....and you MIGHT have a shot....and that's all you can hope for.

        FYI.....talent is NOT necessarily a prerequisite.

        Because I can't post videos or links.....here are two radically different "artists" to study and reverse engineer.


        1. Terra Naomi.....started her career on you tube.

        2. Soulja Boy......this rapper who appears to be loathed by fans, critics, and his peers is laughing all the way to the bank.

        I am also privy to some info on him in terms of his GOOGLE PARTNER STATUS....AND LETS JUST SAY HE IS MAKING WELL OVER 6 FIGURES JUST FROM YOUTUBE REVENUE.

        His early videos were HOME MADE , HERKY JERKY, AND MOST WOULD SAY SUCKED.....which is why once again.....those who think slick and polished is the way to go...might rethink their position......


        Oh yeah.....I'm no Rap Critic......but as of today Soulja Boy has had over 554,984,462 UPLOADS......RAP THAT! THAT'S OVER HALF A BILLION WITH A B.

        And I happen to know he's paid 10 cents for every "comment" left which is why the "haters" are making this guy even richer.

        Can this guy rap? How the hell do I know. Is he "loved"? Is he talented? Well the masses seem to say no. Does he make MAJOR BANK.....OH YEAH.

        Read between the lines.....and those ugly videos from back in the day....grainy black and white looking like they were shot with a flip cam (cuz they were) worked.....very well.



        peace, Vegas Vince
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  • Profile picture of the author SocialMediaOwls
    Couldn't have said it better myself, my Vegas Brother
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  • Profile picture of the author Buildingfutures
    Myspace.


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    • Profile picture of the author JoesMillion
      You're kidding right?


      Originally Posted by Buildingfutures View Post

      Myspace.


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    • Profile picture of the author Dan C. Rinnert
      Originally Posted by Buildingfutures View Post

      Myspace.
      Nah. You gotta get a list of people that enjoy the band's particular type of music and mail them demos on cassette tapes.
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      • Profile picture of the author Buildingfutures
        Originally Posted by Dan C. Rinnert View Post

        Nah. You gotta get a list of people that enjoy the band's particular type of music and mail them demos on cassette tapes.
        Dude, Cassettes are only a fad, you've gotta send the 8-Track.
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        • Profile picture of the author Dan C. Rinnert
          Originally Posted by Buildingfutures View Post

          Dude, Cassettes are only a fad, you've gotta send the 8-Track.
          I only need the sheet music and my imagination.
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          • Profile picture of the author Buildingfutures
            Originally Posted by Dan C. Rinnert View Post

            I only need the sheet music and my imagination.

            Don't listen to Dan. Move your band up to New York and have them play in Central Park. But make sure you replace all the instruments with buckets, and the singer makes pidgeon sounds. It's a surefire method to earn $5 a day!
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  • Profile picture of the author JoesMillion
    There will be no playing in public. I'm not a panhandler.
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  • Profile picture of the author Buildingfutures
    I guess so I don't appear to be a TOTAL ass, I'll suggest a few things.

    1. While I was being an ass about the myspace thing, actually, it could be useful for one reason. They can put songs on there and have a small demo thing going on for them on the page. Ministry Of Love | Free Music, Tour Dates, Photos, Videos are a band I've personally met and they send people to their page all the time to hear a few songs they do. Great band that lives in Vegas.

    2. Build a website, have the same information that you can put onto a myspace page onto the website itself. Make sure you get biographies of all the band members, as well as tour dates, or show dates and places. Link this site to their facebook and twitter. Here's a site from another band I know of: THE OFFICIAL RUM REBELLION WEBSITE - SECOND FULL LENGTH "BLACKWATER" WILL BE RELEASED JUNE 10TH!!

    3. Yes, make a facebook and twitter. Have the band members post on it. Twitpics, etc. Make sure people know about these. IF the band has merch, put the links on some of the merch, especially if you have posters.

    4. Yeah, the sites may not be the prettiest, but they don't have to be. They just need to get the bands name and ideas out.

    5. The bars/clubs/areas they play MOST OFTEN have websites, make sure the owners will link to the page of your band that you're promoting. It helps you and them. The more people who get an idea for who is playing, the more people who will like what they hear or be curious about what they're hearing and show up. The owner makes money and so does your band.

    6. Yeah, youtube. But look at other video sharing sites too. Put the videos up on the web page itself.

    7. IF you know other sites where bands can post their music for free, post some sample songs on there too. IF you can, post them on the myspace, the bands actual site, and everywhere else you can. Give links to them all. Make some songs special for certain sites, so people want to look for them.


    At least, that's how I'd go about it at first. It takes a lot of work for small bands to get bigger and noticed more.
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    • Profile picture of the author CDarklock
      Originally Posted by Buildingfutures View Post

      While I was being an ass about the myspace thing, actually, it could be useful for one reason. They can put songs on there and have a small demo thing going on for them on the page.
      I find new bands on MySpace all the time. That's the first place I came across Black Tide, Septic Flesh, and probably a half dozen other bands that ended up being favourites of mine. I've seen both BT and SF in concert, gotten stuff signed, bought t-shirts, joined fan clubs... so it's not like MySpace just made me go "I like that band."

      But the question about promoting a band online misses the point. Bands get noticed because they get the hell out there and play. Forget about online. Get your arses out there on every stage you can, even if it costs you money to get to the gig. Write your own songs. Play anywhere and everywhere and with everybody.

      Get pictures. Get recordings. And post those online.

      Nobody cares that you're online. The online promotion is a window into what really matters: you can play, you have fans, and you're good.
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  • Profile picture of the author tpw
    A lot of music sellers are offering short snippets of the song, to convince the prospect to buy it, then offering the actual song for a dollar or three.

    Don't give away all of your song, just enough to get people interested, then offer them a buy button.

    As Sean hinted at, Myspace is good for marketing music in that fashion.
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    • Profile picture of the author JoesMillion
      All my music will be free, or people can pay what they want. Up to them. Not doing this for the money.


      Originally Posted by tpw View Post

      A lot of music sellers are offering short snippets of the song, to convince the prospect to buy it, then offering the actual song for a dollar or three.

      Don't give away all of your song, just enough to get people interested, then offer them a buy button.

      As Sean hinted at, Myspace is good for marketing music in that fashion.
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      • Profile picture of the author tpw
        Originally Posted by JoesMillion View Post

        All my music will be free, or people can pay what they want. Up to them. Not doing this for the money.

        If you are not doing this for the money, then why are you worried about how to market yourself?

        Marketing costs money, but you don't want to make any back, so you won't be able to do it for long.

        If you want viral overnight exposure, then you need a viral overnight product... So is your music good enough to accomplish what you want?

        "The Asteroids Galaxy Tour" achieved overnight success.... After 3 years of hard work... (Learn more about their success here.)
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        • Profile picture of the author JoesMillion
          Money is easy to get, and if I wanted money, music is NOT the way to get it. If you do music these days, you can't expect to make anything. I don't plan on taking my money when I die, so I'm going to spend it all like brewster's millions.

          I will be adding videos, and if they go viral, so be it. A viral campaign would require more work, I'd rather buy an ad and let them come check out the music.


          Originally Posted by tpw View Post

          If you are not doing this for the money, then why are you worried about how to market yourself?

          Marketing costs money, but you don't want to make any back, so you won't be able to do it for long.

          If you want viral overnight exposure, then you need a viral overnight product... So is your music good enough to accomplish what you want?

          "The Asteroids Galaxy Tour" achieved overnight success.... After 3 years of hard work... (Learn more about their success here.)
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  • Profile picture of the author JoesMillion
    Playing gigs to large amounts of people is the most effective. I plan on playing the large festivals.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ryback
    Some of the things I like to do is promote bands and create fan sites for them. I do a combination of WordPress Blog's + Twitter and we create posts that include the bands You Tube videos and other articles. Our blog The Relay Company| Your #1 Source For News and Gossip | The Relay Co. boosted some of their video views by 75% on youtube. We are also #1 on Google for almost all the bands keywords.

    Currently the twitter I own for the relay co has close to 15,000 fans following it and it get's a good amount of traffic to the blog itself from that. The more social media sites you can create the better for your band and make sure you direct it to some main site. Try to collect the the emails of the fans and then you can send them offers from your band such as itunes, concert info, merchandise. etc..

    Here is another example: BG5Girls | Your Source for the Latest News and Gossip | The Beach Girl5, so far we have over 300 subscribers to this blog. A lot of people send us request's to play at their venues since they think its the band's official page. We then have to forward the request's on to the actual band itself.
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  • Profile picture of the author samjaynz
    A good, thriving facebook page is a must.

    A regularly updated YouTube channel will help.

    Create a band blog as well
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  • Profile picture of the author 0mlm
    Banned
    useful info
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  • Profile picture of the author Presto Smith
    Start a podcast that broadcasts live shows or studio cuts. Build up a list and market more live shows through the podcast. Then once you have a studio album, sell it to your list and at the shows. That's one idea at least, good luck
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  • Profile picture of the author Shazia Mirza
    Lots of people use Myspace to promote bands, try that out.
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    • Originally Posted by JoesMillion View Post

      I like you.
      Originally Posted by CDarklock View Post

      Nobody cares about you anymore. You have no clue what you're doing, and for someone who said most bands fail through bad relationship management, you're sure pissing on a lot of people in here.

      Essentially, the thread only continues for the benefit of others who may be more clueful... and anyone specifically directing posts at you is probably doing it for his own amusement, not for your benefit.
      I wonder if he still likes you now? Clearly he's never known any professional musicians.
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  • Profile picture of the author Giftys
    To the original question; we just built a band site at Add Your Band - Index. You might consider adding your band there. Being a newer site, it won't provide that much traffic but I'm of the state of mind that "any" traffic is good traffic
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  • Profile picture of the author lnguyentx
    Create A facebook page and A blog then create a youtube account and start doing covers of popular song and on each video have a link or a referral to your facebook page and blog page.
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  • Profile picture of the author Apollo-Articles
    Great info on here already, surround yourself with experts its money well spent. I know a few local bands who sound better than most the music on the radio but refuse to hire a manager/publicist and even don't want a record label - what a waste of talent!

    I was going to say spend money on Fiverr to get people to tweet your Myspace page or pay for Diggs to get featured. All which would improve your "total listen count" (People can see the top ten most listened to bands on YouTube and these are usually pretty quickly scooped up by record companies).

    You could build a band page via Facebook and use targeted advertising to your fan demographics in order to get more facebook fans you could pay to advertise on MySpace or even Spotify.

    You could also get reviews in niche blogs and music websites by giving away CD's to the owners and readers.

    Then with a stronger fan presence (demonstrated through Facebook & Myspace) you'd look stronger when you send record companies your music.

    But those are only going to get you so far if you don't accept help from others.

    Sam
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  • Profile picture of the author Fuze
    Facebook group, word of mouth and also advertising. Google adsense, etc.
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  • Profile picture of the author alexdigital
    You've had some great ideas posted on here.

    Here's my thoughts.

    You want to get yourself on all the main social media platforms - Myspace is really good for bands, Facebook page, Twitter, Youtube etc.

    In terms of promoting the band I'd try and encourage people that are all ready into the music to start sharing it with friends. As your music is free, if it's any good people will naturally share it.

    I'd also suggest setting up a website using wordpress for the band as a central point to link all the social media together. There are quite a few great wordpress themes suitable for bands. Take a look at this list:

    Music WordPress Themes for Bands and Musicians

    Hope this helps.

    -alex
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  • Profile picture of the author catardat
    First of all you need decent music, if the band sucks it will only be just a waste of time, I'm not saying Pink Floyd, but be decent.

    To get people listening to your music is very simple. You need to "market" only to people who are listening the same genre. Twiter, Myspace, FB and YouTube it's all you need. So if your band plays Stoner Rock "advertise" your music to QOTSA fans, a stoner rock band. For youtube make covers of famous songs in your genre, on myspace comment on the same genre famous bands channels etc..very simple. The only part I see hard in this is making good music.
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  • Profile picture of the author dizzyland
    IMHO... from 6+ years of experience being in a band AND promoting it online:

    It all boils down to offline connections, not IM.

    Every town the band plays in has the "music guru": the guy or girl who checks out every show and blogs about it, posts about it, etc. -Get THAT connection in every town the band goes to and you'll start making some waves.

    Music fans are finicky and can spot a fake. Personally, I'd avoid things like fake facebook and twitter fans. However, I've never tried it myself so I can't say that it won't work. Experiment!

    Remember: This isn't a website you're promoting, it's people and their art.

    Yes, a professional website is going to do well and promoting that website will do well too... but the real online promotion will need to be in follow-up emails with every connection you make. Make sure the band has an email sign up sheet and displays it and promotes it at every show. Also tell them to get in good with the bartenders at every gig... they will RAVE about your band if you treat them well. (If the bartender is "Mindy" be sure to have the band say things like "be sure to tip "mindy" between songs... these are the kind of things that go a long way when trying to push a band forward.)

    The other things have been well covered... facebook, videos, yada, yada...

    Hope that helps!
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  • Profile picture of the author misharuski
    Make a facebook fan page and promote it on other peoples pages, make youtube videos, go around forums related to your niche, etc:
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  • Profile picture of the author billspaced
    I'm a little late to this party...I'm not affiliated with the man I'm about to tell you about, but I like what he's doing online. He's promoting his music business like an internet marketer and I think he's having some really good success as an independent artist.

    Check out PlanetCorey.com - Official Site of Americana/Country Singer Songwriter Corey Koehler and just see where it takes you. I haven't seen many musicians doing this. It's effective, at least to me.
    Signature

    Bill Davis
    Chief Marketing Officer, SoMoLo Marketing

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  • Profile picture of the author guynextdoor
    search youtube for non professional successful video entertainment producers with active channels... There are many with videos > 2 Mio views... Conctact them and offer Sponsoring in exchange for promotion. (title music, background music , wall poster, cd on the table, your band in title, credits and so on...
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  • Profile picture of the author kimjox
    You can do this with several ways from fiverr to video maarketing to socail media and Outsourcing tasks will really help you.
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  • Profile picture of the author Buddha94
    YouTube! If Rebecca black did it so can you. Just make a music video and it will be viral! He'll I will even pro ore it in my sig if it's good lol. Facebook it too and tweet. Have some lyric download section. Upload to iTunes. Perform in other live bands and tell them your page. Make a live tour, if people like you! Though you have to practice, practice, practice.
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  • Profile picture of the author Stephen Lessey
    Im also in a band as well, what I suggest is to use bandmix to start out. Then get a designer to create a brand image of your band.

    Then while at shows you can display and plug in your facebook,youtune channels.
    Then use a service like reverb nation just to get the audience out there...but I would focus locally first, because you want to play and advertise at local venues
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  • Profile picture of the author SocialMediaOwls
    I PM'd you, Hassan
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    Health and Fitness niche Affiliate Program | High CTR/EPC | Personal Account Manager 24/7 support https://influencer.bulksupplements.com

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