MTV Responsibility: Florence & The Machine = One and Done.

Do you remember when MTV used to have their ear to the music scene?  You should, because it was actually not all that long ago.  Some might argue that MTV's purpose was to keep us (the listener) posted on the next best thing within all genres of music, after all, they are and still continue to be the industry's most popular source of music information.  No this isn't a rant regarding MTV's reluctance nowadays to play music videos, nor is it regarding the afternoon's packed full of reality television.  It is rather the argument that MTV has assisted largely in the recent development of fan reluctance toward new and "original" music.

Some might argue that MTV in their role has the responsibility to deliver new music to us (the now very fickle listener.)  Over the years MTV began to undermine their self-appointed role by continuing to ignore new music and artists as time continued to pass.  Essentially, MTV has become a Top 40 radio station only playing songs and genres that have already gained momentum with the active listening population.

Power Up Your Band's Social Media Presence and Do Real World Promotion Part 1

Being an artist nowadays really is better than it ever.  With an unlimited amount of social networking resources bands can create an online presence fairly quickly.  Within about .05% of the time it took you to create your brand new record you can communicate and deliver your new material to your fans in a manner that seems "instant"

What Band's must not forget is the fickle nature of communication delivery on social networks.  In a big way, it is very easy to be "too late" in using these tools to connect with current and prospective fans.

In short, half of what makes a record contract so valuable is your access to professional promotional minds.  Timely and effective communications about a big show or new album can be critical in the success of creating a buzz about your band.  Record labels and management deals can make this happen.  Whether it is always a success is up in the air, but it is almost always planned and attempted no matter how big or small the artist and or label.  You, the small unsigned artist should be doing the same on your own.  Without a plan to effectively promote yourself, your events and releases it can be very difficult to conjure up support or buzz.  Realize that this doesn't just "happen."  YOU have to create it. 

Since you are "small" in essence, you do not have the luxury of doing an interview with Billboard, a spot on the Jay Leno show and a tour of the country.  So you need to rely on digital and social media tools to market yourself, your record, your show and whatever else.  Here is where it gets sticky.  Most bands make themselves aware of these tools and use them which is great, after all, their livelihood in many ways depends on the support of their fans with whom they must communicate with.  Whether you are aware of the tools and whether you are using them effectively are two different things.

To start, let's be sure your band's social media presence is up to date and following a short list of Do's and Don'ts for social media activity.  We will start with Twitter since this seems to be the most elusive and misused by artists.

When the Stars (Industry Contacts) Align: Teenage Dream

On DailyMusic, I really prefer to avoid CD reviews, especially reviewing artists that are currently being reviewed by 30 other music "journalists" on the web.  Regardless, I felt it was important to discuss the Marketing and behind the scenes aspects surrounding the release of Katy Perry's new album "Teenage Dream."

From an industry standpoint, Perry's campaign is notable in that in terms of today's record promotion, the (we will call it) "Teenage Dream campaign" is arguably the largest dollar amount a label is willing to dish out for any single record in this day and age.  Sure, these campaigns happen multiple times a year with other artists but rarely to the extent of "Teenage Dream."

Rather than review the content on "Teenage Dream," which do to outstanding number of competent co-writes and printed production credits equal to the length of the lyrics is a collection of, simply put, hit songs.