You can always remain a kid at heart. But grow up! The struggling artist stereotype is cute, even sexy, but only for so long. You know what's not cool? A forty year old dude--staying true to his cause--still crashing on his friends' couches. You know what is cool? Having your own place and paying your bills.
So how does today's musician sell out without selling out?
I found a few non-traditional ways musicians can quickly expand their fan base, get more exposure, and ultimately, fill that bank account. Music-lovers also take note. These sites are like our musical crystal balls.
SELL IT, BABY!
Fame Games (www.meermusic.com, @FameGames) - This online radio show promotes independent artists. Musicians can submit their music online and fans can vote each day for their favorites. As it grows in popularity, you can increase your exposure worldwide. Really cool group of DJ's, too. They know their stuff! Eclectic music choices and always top notch music!
The Sixty One (www.thesixtyone.com, @thesixtyone)
Branded as "helping artists find their audiences." Indie artists submit their work, but rather than allowing a stuffy suit to decide what's cool, the listeners do. Listeners have to listen to a song for over a minute before they can "heart" it. It's very cool exposure! For music lovers, please make sure you find your favorite artists and heart them - and if they aren't on there, make sure you get them on it!
Kickstarter (www.kickstarter.com, @kickstarter)
I want to kick myself for not thinking of this first. If you're a musician that doesn't have the jack to promote yourself, this site can help you fund projects. Much like a telethon concept, you can set up graduating levels of "rewards" and goodie packages depending on how much each fan contributes to your project. Kickstarter put one of my favorite emerging artists, Gareth Asher, on tour all throughout the United States and massively expand his fan base.
Pandora (www.pandora.com, @pandora_radio)
This site gets the Brilliant Award of the Century. This music engine automatically creates a streaming radio station that is based on the artists/songs/genres that you like - and plays similar artists based on the style and tonality of what you chose. You can now upload your music onto the site and become part of their Music Genome Project's musical library. Click here to submit your music: http://submitmusic.pandora.com/
Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, iTunes, etc.
The name of the game today is being accessible. Back in the day, if you wanted to find music, you'd have to go to the store, buy the whole album, and if it sucked, you're the fool with the stack of CD's collecting dust in the back of your car. Nowadays, people automatically go to YouTube to find a video of their favorite song and can share it immediately. If you're not Internet savvy, check out www.mashable.com as a comprehensive resource on using social media. Oh, and if you're one of those brooding and introverted musicians who hates people, do your best to still respond to your fans reaching out to you and Follow them back on Twitter. Acknowledging your fans individually endears themselves to you and in turn, they will support you through your sales.
A good friend of mine said a long time ago..."Find what you love to do - and figure out a way to make money at it." You can have both! Check back to this site as I'll be updating it with new resources as I discover them. Please subscribe to my blog and comment often. I'd love to hear from you. Good luck! Allison Rizk
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