Artists: What NOT Do On Social Networking Sites

I must apologize from my straying away from something that was once so important to me - life has a way of pulling you away and distracting you with other accomplishments and the little things are overlooked; Music Marketing 101 has been overlooked! My little blog may not be much but many of the people I have featured as an "Artist To Watch" were featured here first, including The New Boyz, Chris Classic, WISH, Producer Dawaun Parker (Longtime Dr. Dre Production Team Member @DawaunParker Readies EP 10/20/10) Bertell and Kevin Ross. Lately I've sorta turned the blog into a Diggy Simmons blog without even knowing, lol!

Tonight I was inspired to write a post on Music Marketing and Social Networking - What Artists Should NOT Do....A friend reached out to me with some tips and not to share his complete idea, I just want to point out things I would never suggest an artist does while trying to networking with persons on social networking sites.

Facebook

Personal Messages to friends: This is not suggested. Although your personal friends should be your biggest supporters if life were perfect, truth is, some of them have NO interest in what you are doing. It's not anything personal, it could be them not having the time to really sit back and listen to everything or just simply not interested for their own personal reasons. What then happens is, you're sending them all of these messages and they're getting alerts on FB, which some may use just to log in here and there and not how you use it, and they're annoyed by you - they consider you a pest. Stick to the Fan Page. Sending one message inviting them to join the Fan Page is okay. Be sure to never assume that they saw your status updates because again, not everyone uses FB as you do and newsfeeds are not always read. I repeat ONE MESSAGE alerting them of your Fan Page is fine. If they don't join, they just don't join. They possibly do not care to have the messages and alerts that come along with being supportive - it doesn't mean they do not care.

Daily Status updates and encourage friends to do the same - Encourage NOT harass!

Twitter

DM people - NO! This leaves for an awkward situation. You're corning and pressuring them to support. They may have possibly overlooked a tweet or two about your new project but as much as we like to think people sit on twitter all day and read EVERY tweet on their timeline, its not possible (even for the Mayor *smiles*). Contacting people and being social/casual works best. Which leads me right into the next thing on the list.....

@ People - DO NOT SPAM THE HELL OUT OF PEOPLE! Your timeline should NOT read a page full of tweets with you "mentioning" people and your link following. Starting up a conversation that leads into you sharing your music is the best option. You'll walk away from the conversation with at least "I'll check it later".

Encourage people to RT - Encourage NOT harass!

Hopefully the tips will help out. For reference of other postings and tips: MusicMarketing 101: Building The Right Fan Base - Interviews - Tips to Reach New Fans - Networking 101 - **Five Things NOT to do** - Digital Distribution - So You Want to Get on Radio - Copyright Your Work!! - Professionalism: Bloggers vs Artists

Professionalism: Bloggers vs Artists

It has been some time since I've done a post highlighting "Music Marketing Tips" and after a few recent events, I thought I'd take some time to share a few things. I've actually touched on one or two things before but doesn't help to STRESS the fact again...

First, allow me to share some of my previous postings:

Building The Right Fan Base - Interviews - Tips to Reach New Fans - Networking 101: - **Five Things NOT to do** - Digital Distribution - So You Want to Get on Radio - Copyright Your Work!!

In my **Five Things NOT to do** post I touched on business hours and when not to contact people - ESPECIALLY for the first time. What I felt was common sense when I first wrote it, obviously isn't because this past Saturday night at 11:30 pm I had some strange young man hit me to introduce himself to me. (I've removed the name)

HIM: My name is ____ ima rap artist/song wrighter, is this @MAYORCathrynMarie(twitter name) ?
ME: Yeah, how can I help you
HIM: Oh alright cool, I was just introducing myself that's all. Nice to meet you Cathryn; I got your cell number off your twitter. By the way my twitter is @________ & my myspace music page is www.myspace.com/_____ :).
ME: You decided to introduce yourself and awaken me @ 11:30pm when I have to be up @ 4am..thanks so much! My last 3 tweets were for u but I'm going to check your music out tomorrow. You better be good for all of this unprofessional business you've conducted..gnite hun
HIM: . . . . . Its only 9pm tho. . . . , you must stay outside of Cali; but yeah sorry for disturbing you while you were sleeping Cathryn. Get some rest, good night :)

Did I mention he TEXTED me? First let me say that my number is posted many places so that people can call me if they see fit - I'm not against that at all. I do however feel that contacting someone for the first time outside of business hours is insane. If you expect someone to be professional with you, you have to be professional. Contacting via email would have been more suitable, at any hour.

Today I received about 8 emails from one young lady; 4 different emails sent twice. Yes, the young lady spammed my inbox today. To make matters worst, she didn't BLIND COPY; she failed twice. Did I mention her emails could have all been one email promoting her and her music vs four separate emails? (Stage name removed as she is not getting promo over here that easy!)

My Reply to her horrid emails:
Dear Shawna, I think I speak for everyone you just mass emailed within the past 5 mins..STOP SPAMMING US AND LEARN HOW TO F*CKING USE BCC! Omg! Are you serious? I think you should consider hiring someone to handle the basic functions of emailing people for network reasons because baby, what you are doing is so not the business. Chances are everyone has deleted your emails w/o opening them because you were so simple minded to use "bcc" and you sent each email like 3 times. How about putting them all together in one email and moving along....if you have a budget, we can talk - small business or official w/ digiwaxx media.

Signed, CathrynMarie!

Her Reply To Me:
first of all don't know you just sending out eblast to everyone in my contacts. you are very unprofessional you don't have to be rude and use profanity just simply don't reply if you don't want to cathryn or who ever you are, learn how to talk to people you could never do business with me not coming off the way you did i deal with professionals only it may have been alot of emails but i have alot of important dj's and record labels that i have to email things more than once too so they can recieve it. may God Bless you and change you, SHAWNA!
check me out at myspace.com/____ if you don't know who your talking too

My Final Reply To Her:
Sadly you don't know me yet you sent me the emails; what kind of sense does that make? I don't have to be professional once someone displays unprofessionalism. No matter how important the emails were to you, its not that important to us for you to flood us that many times and not blind copy. Heck, not using the bcc alone was unprofessional. And fyi, I used bcc to everyone you emailed and I got a lot of "thank yous", so maybe you need to check yourself. If my coming off unprofessional to you will smarten you up, ill take it. If you're going to play the game, learn how its played first....

Was I wrong? Probably so. Do I care? Hell no! Sometimes it just needs to be said for people to understand. I posted the text and emails so you can see first hand what some of you are sending out and what we are thinking once we get it. If you want a professional response from a blogger, you must present yourself with exactly that - PROFESSIONALISM! Shout out to @MoeArora for the image.

Artist To Watch: Tony J

There was NO way I was going to let today pass without posting this track - this is rather personal for me :).

Tony J, Tony J! Where do I begin? I've always loved his voice - his southern mannerism and genuine friendship lead to my feeling confident to Manage him as an Artist - hey, I had a DJ and a Radio Jock, an Artist should be easy! SIKE LOL! My craft is Marketing and I learned from him that I needed to stay in my own lane and not try to wear 50 hats (as so many of us try to do in this "game"). He was patient and understanding - I was down to do all of the writing and marketing he needed but Managing was not something I wanted to mess up with him because he is far too talented to be my test dummy. Fast forward to 2009 and Twitter - a good "Tweep" of mine, @MoeArora, who I have admired and respected some how networked with my talented friend, Tony and is now managing him; I'm FAR too excited!

Putting a few touches on his "You Need A Man" Single, Tony J is marking his place on the scene and well, plans to be here "Forever" (www.TonyJForever.com)

Download and Listen To "You Need A Man"

With the new generation of R&B artists singing tales of promiscuous lifestyles, today’s R&B music has lost its connection with love and romance. Houston native, Tony J, wants to change that.

Having been raised in Houston (a primarily hip-hop market), Tony’s musical influences range from 90s R&B artists like Case, Avant and Jagged Edge, to the Houston-born Chopped & Screwed style, pioneered by the late DJ Screw. This vast range offers a unique twist to Tony J’s music.

From the vocals he records, to the words he sings, to the music he composes - Tony J is a well-rounded artist and musician.

With his first single, “U Need a Man”, Tony J is bringing romance back to R&B

For all inquiries, please contact Moe Arora
→ 404.939.3818
→ moe[at]moearora.com
→ www.makingthemogul.com/contact

*side note* If you have yet to utilize Twitter for networking to your advantage - let this be a "wake up call"...Tony is in Houston and Moe is in CANADA! Yes - the power of Twitter! :)

Digiwaxx Showcase Tour

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The BLAST LIVE: @DigiwaxxMedia Showcase Tour! NOW BOOKIN shows in ATL, FL & NV! GET ON NOW! tory@digiwaxx.com or your account rep for more info!

New Mix-tape: Chris Classic

You’ve seen his face and highlights of his AMAZING accomplishments; it is with great pleasure to feature product for all of you to listen to. American Music Award winner, producer, rapper, Chris Classic, has just dropped his summer mix-tape for the masses. The Mix-tape contains original songs and remixes of some hot new records by Maxwell, Cassie, Albe Back, Ryan Leslie & Nipsey Hussle.

“Easily one of the best complete works of any hip hop artist in a while, major or independent, Summer Classic Mixtape has original joints and remixes including Albe Back/ Maxwell/Ryan Leslie/ Cassie and Nipsey Hussle. There isnt one song that you should skip. The confidence of the MC can be seen from start to finish, even his mixtape cover proudly professes NOT FEATURING LIL WAYNE, DRAKE OR KANYE WEST.. The rest you'll have to hear for yourself, he goes in.”



Chris Classic Mixtape:
To listen first - http://www.chris-classic.com/www.chris-classic.com/The_Mixtape.html

To download complete mixtape: http://www.zshare.net/download/63402171e9de3a1c/1e9de3a1c/

My Prayer- aka Industry Ether. This is probably what D.O.A would sound like if maybe Chuck D did it.
Enough said. Watch the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hfiQzUvTgE

www.chris-classic.com
facebook.com/chrisclassic
twitter.com/chris_classic

Lovin the new site, Chris! Great work on the art work - not bad for just learning :) love you bunches!

Networking: Producer Donnie Scantz

"Top reasons you should follow @MRSCANTZ"

Since my Tweeps are being difficult and acting brand new, I thought I'd bring my "Top reasons you should follow @MRSCANTZ" to the music heads who follow me over here and would appreciate following the talented producer!!

Donnie Scantz, music producer, musician, songwriter, two time Grammy Nominee and the man with the key for the 688 unreleased Prince tracks!! Founder of State of Emergency, a music and extreme lifestyle allegiance dedicated to producing R&B, Pop, Hip-Hop and Rock. Artists under his belt: Aaliyah ("I Don't Wanna"), Toni Braxton ("Christmas in Jamaica"), Usher ("Yeah!" - Grammy nom track), Ludacris ("Pimpin' All Over the World"), J. Holiday ("Ghetto", "Sooner You Get to Love"), Danity Kane ( "2 of You") and Chris Brown ("Throwed") and MORE..........

He is looking to reach the 1800 mark of twitter followers and I am doing all I can, as the Mayor of Twitter, to assist him w/ this goal!! I WANT THE PRINCE MUSIC, lol....

So if you're on twitter and you're looking for someone COOL to follow - make Mr Scantz that man! He is a producer who speaks back w/ his followers and is appreciative of everyone who follows him...Did I mention he was from Houston and cousin of producer Bryan-Michael Cox? Talent is in the veins! Don't sleep on, Donnie!! He has an ear for talent - I'm not saying spam him with your music, but build that twitlationship and see what happens. I know he is welcoming interns and such at times - who knows!

Donnie on the web:
www.bandofgypsys.wordpress.com - www.twitter.com/MRSCANTZ - www.youtube.com/donniescantz

Artist To Watch: The Show

Life is so simple when an Artist you dig personally has a track you actually like; "I Does" by The Show featuring Mannie Fresh, is indeed that track.

The New Orleans, Louisiana born Artist cannot go wrong with having the main ingredient behind Cash Money Records previous success. Let's be real, without dope production, a song can and only will go so far.........

Working on his debut album, No Business Like Show Business, the first single is "I Does"....Take a listen and you be the judge.....

PS - expect to SEE and HEAR a lot from The Show - the Best Damn Publicist is on the job! Congrats on the new client, Nancy B!! :)..ohh and HAPPY BIRTHDAY LADY!! Love ya much!!

www.myspace.com/theshowno

Texas Music Conference - Sniper Squad DJ's

CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE
Sniper Squad DJ Retreat/Ballin for Peace Streetball Tour/Artist Invasion in Houston, Texas July 10-12th.

Expect a host of training and seminars to help DJs, Artists and Artist Management. There will be software and hardware training, seminars that teach the DJs and Artists about trademarking their names, creating their DJ services a business and Artists to create their own record label.

It's not all just hard work and no play though, the Sniper Squad DJ's will be hosting a Ballin for Peace basketball game that will involve the community and a Artist invasion concert with unsigned and signed artist from around the world coming to perform

For more information, read over the Sniper Squad DJs Conference PDF and visit www.snipersquaddjs.com

Texas Music Conference's in June 09

Starting June 3rd - June 28th, Dallas and Houston, Texas are hosts of three major music conferences

A lot of people are unaware of this fact, so I thought I would share the info and allow you to decide which conference best fits your needs:

Third Annual R.E.A.L. HOUSTON Music Conference's put together by OJ Ron C and the GO DJs in Houston, Texas. June 3rd - June 7th, 2009....

This conference doesn't seem to offer much, the itinerary shows a lot of partying and titty bar action; I guess they'll fit some music knowledge in there some where. The sponsors are Atlantic Records, Rap A lot and JIVE Records. T Pain is hosting one party and Bun B is hosting another which are on Wed & Thurs. Not really Music Conference Days but one can only assume these are pit stops before heading off to Dallas. No other special guests or hosts are listed to be apart of the Panels. For more information visit, www.realhoustonmusicconference.com

Second Annual Texas Urban Music Summit hosted by the Core DJs, Definition DJs, AllHipHop.com, & Richmind Records in Dallas, TX. June 5th - June 7th, 2009......

The itinerary for this conference has yet to be posted but the panelists involved alone makes this summit a hit; TJs DJs, Gorilla Zoe, Ent. Attorney Roxell Richards, Play-N-Skillz and a host of others. The Texas Urban Music Summit seems to have gathered persons within the industry from every field which is a positive look for those seeking to gain information and not just party and hang out. Sponsors include Rap A Lot, AllHipHop.com, and Ozone Magazine. For more information visit, www.texasums.com

Seventh Annual The Texas Summer Music Conference hosted by Mic Moodswing in Dallas, TX. June 26th - June 28th, 2009....

The information of this conference is rather limited, besides boasting of past and INVITED guests/panelists; Chris Brown, Paul Wall, DJ Drama Erykah Badu, Dr. Teeth, Skip Cheatham, Too $hort, J Records, Jive, Atlantic and many others. The itinerary is as follows: 06/26/09 - R&B, Neo-Soul, & Spoken Word Showcase, 06/27/09 - Hometown Showdown Concert, 06/28/09 - DJs Music Forum. For more information visit, www.texassummermusicconference.com

Artist To Watch: IB3

(Photo by Mr_1of1)
Yesterday, Houston's own IB3, released her "Honorable Mention Mixtape" and had a release party at Jet Lounge - FUN TIMES!! I met IB3 in passing a few times years ago at the Music World offices (shout out to My Sister Doris, Acie High & DJ Statik) and other places here and there but last night, getting up close and personal with her was most def an experience. Her energy level was AMAZING (could have been the 4/20 tho, lol) and the turn out of supportive pals was even more amazing.

If you like high energy music, I highly suggest you download her mixtape - she is actually rather funny too LOL. Yes, you chuckle while listening to some of the tracks.

Honorable Mention Mixtape Download

Shout out to the Bama Boyz, tracks 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 12, 15, 16 are produced by them (its a bigger deal than you actually know!)

A few tweeps that stepped out to show support:
@deandrewright @krystalnichole @etrez @krangofezaccess @josephdexter @soulb @Wells334 @tcherryx @mr1_of1 @gu_heffner @sonnie_inkstar @tcitypromo @spoiledlatina @anzeodavid @ClassicSydney @fckwhtyaheard @Tom_Duke @kaylaraecool @Dynastee @DidiMod @ColineCreuzot @CathrynMarie Sorry if I missed anyone, lol, I honestly didn't even meet everyone I listed, just went off of replies & such on twitter!

Check out www.mymovement.com to keep up w/ the movement - also, follow @myMovement on twitter! LETS GO! (c) @iamdiddy


@anzeodavid MTB4 & @ibtres
Photo by @cathrynmarie

Artist To Watch: New Boyz

If you're on Twitter or just follow Diddy in general life, chances are you viewed the video of his son Christian, and cousin, Roxy dancing. I thought the video was very cute and dope, but the song they were dancing to interested me more - that sh*t goes HARD! lol! I found myself pop locking, getting hyphy and whatever have you to this joint; I had to track down the Artists! Allow me to introduce, New Boyz!

Talented duo in Los Angeles, California, recently made the charts as Number 1 Unsigned Artist in California, on MySpace. Currently working on their new mixtape, "Skinny Jeans and a Mic", Legacy and Ben J have a hit on their hands with "You're A Jerk".

You're A Jerk - New Boyz

For more information and music for The New Boyz, visit their MySpace page - www.myspace.com/officialnewboyz.

Check out Christian and Roxy doing their thang! PTwitty TV

Email Signatures Are Important

Yesterday I received quite a few emails from Artists and noticed that none of them had closing signatures - I wonder if they know how important something so small can be.

There have been numerous times that people have added me to AIM, G Chat, Yahoo, Facebook, Myspace, etc, via them seeing my contact info on my signature. Really, how else would they know I can be contacted on all said communication outlets if I don't put it out there. What is the purpose of signing up for all of the sites if you don't want to be contacted on them? Hopefully you set them up for networking and socializing, aye? WELL ADD THEM TO YOUR CLOSING SIGNATURE!!!

Even adding simple things like your website info is a MUST! Hell, if that's all you have added and your site has your contact info, then cool. Make yourself available for reach. I don't think my DJ would get any business if my number wasn't plastered on every site I have; no money being missed here.

Sometimes people don't want to go back and forth via email to communicate and/or just to find out if you are on any of those sites. If you don't put it out there because you feel you will get crazy people - BLOCK EM!! lol People lose cell phones and such on a regular and it makes it easy for them to just open an old email and be able to get your number.

There is no right or wrong way to structure your signature but here is an example:

CathrynMarie
Marketing Specialist I Writer I Manager
CathrynMarie@Gmail.com
www.musicmarketing101.blogspot.com
www.digiwaxxmedia.com/blog

832.884.4690 (cell)
Yahoo - Cathryn.Marie
Gmail Chat - CathrynMarie
AIM/AOL - CathrynMarieMgt

www.Twitter.com/CathrynMarie
www.myspace.com/Cathryn79
www.linkedlin.com/in/CathrynMarie

The Urban Zone
www.theurban-zone.com
7500 Bellaire Blvd
Suite #922
Houston, Texas 77042
USA

C.A.T.H.R.Y.N. means Concentrate And Through Him Receive Your Needs

I'm VERY reachable :)

R&B Live DC 2009 Kickoff w/ Kevin Ross

In a previous post, "Artist To Watch" post, I spoke on Kevin Ross; did call it or what, the boy is something to check for.

R&B Live DC 2009 Kickoff
New Year, New Talent, New Music

Washington, DC (Dec. 31, 2008)- R&B Live DC is ready to start the new year off with a bang. On Tuesday, January 13th R&B Live DC proudly presents Dawn Richard (of Danity Kane) at Posh Restaurant & Supper Lounge. Dawn Richard is a native of the great New Orleans, LA and spent most of her childhood developing her singing and dancing skills. Later on she auditioned for MTV's "Making the Band 3" where she was chosen to compete for Diddy's female group. Dawn ultimately made it through the season and was chosen to be a member of Danity Kane, along side 4 other females. She is now working on her solo project, while still a member of the platinum selling group.

R&B Live DC is pleased to announce that Marjorie Harris will host this month's event as the all female house band Be'La Dona will accent the venue with their sounds as DJ Huck Fin spins. The opening act will be Washington, DC's own Kevin Ross. Kevin was named Best New R&B Artist by AOL Music and is BET's 106 & Park "Wild Out Wednesday" All-Star Champion. He is working on his EP, which is due later in 2009 and is currently promoting his new single "That Girl (Winner)".

Posh Restaurant & Supper Club is located at 730 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20001. The doors open at 8pm. For table reservations, please call 202.393.0975 or visit www.poshdc.com.

Shouts out to Candice Nicole PR - www.cnicoleinthecity.blogspot.com

This Week on Digiwaxx.com

I've been super busy this wek but here are the recent postings on www.digiwaxx.com/blog

THE CHESS RECORDS STORY: CADILLAC RECORDS THE MOVIE <==the REAL reason to go watch Cadillac Records! The movie is GRAT!

FAT BEATS TOP 5 ALBUMS

NEW ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

CANDY FOR YOUR EARS

BEING CHARLIE SLOTH

PUMA 60TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY

NEW MUSIC: STATIK SELEKTAH, BUN B & CORY MO

MIXTAPE MONDAY

DJ SPOTLIGHT: ATL’S DJ JUDGE MENTAL

RIP: MC BREED

IN THE STUDIO W/ JAIME FOXX

MR. FUTURE OF RAP: PLIES

What's New On Digiwaxx - Including Posts By Me!

Okay, so as I stated previously, I am blogging on Digiwaxx and I officially set up shop today! I am kind of taking things that I'd post here and putting them there, I won't always do it but I'm just getting my feet wet right now! I appreciate your continued support :) - CaT blog.digiwaxxmedia.com

Recent Posts:

Future Projects: It’s Bad Boyyyy!

If You Don’t Support Them, You Could Lose Them <==a post you'd see here 

Your Favorite Artist Favorite Artists <==My First Official Post on Digiwaxx - my mini convo w/ Sir Ludacris!

FRIDAY HIP HOP REPORT

DIGIWAXX TOP 5 DJ DOWNLOADS

KEVIN RUDOLF LISTENING PARTY

Catch Me On Digiwaxx.com

blog.digiwaxxmedia.com

A site that I respect & often refer Artists & DJs to be apart of, has graced me with the opportunity to post all over their site - YaY!

www.digiwaxx.com was introduced to me by Acie High, a local Houston Rapper (also UPN the Player winner and Brother of Acie Law of the Hawks) back in 2007 when I took on the position of doing Marketing for his Camp. I was highly impressed with the connections and feedback I would get back from DJs in the US & overseas. I can honestly say I am a TRUTHFUL testimony of the site and its MULTIPLE services and I am excited to have the opportunity to share my two cents.

What to expect:

Exclusive interviews
Tips
Music Reviews
Artist Shine....etc

I'm not a gossip blogger, so you won't get the latest gossip on who Kanye is boinking - at least not with my name next to it. I encourage all to check out, not on the blog, but the site overall. Become a member and take advantage of the industry people who take part of this amazing site!

blog.digiwaxxmedia.com
www.digiwaxx.com

Hopefully, I'll have my first post up by Monday!! The kinks are still being worked out!

Networking 101

net·work·ing
Function: noun
Date: 1967
1: the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions ; specifically : the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business

People often misuse this word or should I say slack on the action of NETWORKING. Being on the numerous social sites that I am on, I am quick to deny or delete someone because they say they want to network but never say two words to me. Twitter is getting out of control with the lazy networking - I think I removed an additional 25 people last night, steaming from the 27 people I removed 2 days prior. The rappers have gotten wind of twitter and just want to send you links of their music - you'll have to read a previous post to know why that is annoying, seriously!

Number Rule to networking is BEING SOCIAL!! It's not going to happen over night or with just one conversation - give me a reason to want to check your work out, as I will give you a reason to check for me. I know I've probably done a post touching on this before but maybe I had too much going on within the post, so I decided to focus on just said title. Or maybe I'm just venting :) lol.

Well since I've started venting, let me say this! I'm alllllllll for supporting people & have a BAD habit of giving tips, suggestions, writing and promoting off of love but there is a such thing as taking advantage of the situation. Know when to be a good BUSINESS person and realize getting ahead is not always free. Asking for a price of love is no better, for starters I ALWAYS give a "love price", so there is no need to ask. Okay, I'm done - oh and I'm all out of FREE :)

The Anatomy of a Music Business BUZZ

I tend to post my own personal tips that I've learned from experience or dealt with first had on this blog but sometimes tips from others are helpful - especially if it's someone who has the same business mind frame as myself :) Not saying that I know everything but obviously if someone else thinks the way I do, a successful someone, then hey, I must be on point some how - aye?

The following write up was written by my MySpace friend, SlowJam Powell. SlowJam & I previously came together on our erotica work, but it seems our music views are just as great as our sexual erotica work! I can dig it! - CaT

The Anatomy of a Music Business BUZZ
By Xavier J. Powell

Today's music consumers are very skeptical, and they suffer from media overload. The result: they'll probably ignore the mixtapes or new releases that most artists promote. So how do consumers decide which song to download or which album to buy?

The answer: They don't.

Buzz is equated to word of mouth – the recommendations of friends and the buzz that develops in the marketplace. Buzz is suppose to sell your product or service – if you know how to create it. This article will help the music professional understand how it works and how it can help grow your business.

The Music BUZZ Phenomenon

The difference between "artists" and "recording professionals" is this: "Artists" releases mixtapes and brags about an article just to feel good about themselves (all the while claiming that its creating a buzz) while "recording professionals" focuses on how to use advertisements (or PR) to influence individual consumer buying behavior for their products or services. They know that for many products, purchasing is part of a social process. In other words, these professionals rely on friends, family, and co-workers for recommendations about everything from which movie to see to what album they should buy. This is the anatomy of creating a buzz.

Buzz starts with a superior user experience; nothing will help your product if it doesn't deliver such an experience. Most releases or performances, doesn't create any response from anyone. It's the same ole, same ole in music. If you want to generate a real buzz, you should underpromise and overdeliver. Then, instead of pushing the product on customers, let the product spread itself through the industry.

Questions to ask yourself

If you want to create a real music business buzz, you have to know WHO your customers are and how you are reaching them.
Start with these questions:

From whom do your customers typically learn about your products?

What do people say when they recommend your CD or performance?

How fast does information about your product spread as compared with your competitors' products?

Does your product evoke an emotional response? What response is that?

Two things are needed to create a music business buzz successfully. First, you need a contagious product (song or performance). But that's not enough. The products creator needs to reach out and spread the word to the rest of the world. Your company must have at least one person who is obsessed with spreading the word.

Now spreading the word requires hard work. You have to organize a sales blitz, ignore traditional distribution channels and try different approaches. One way is to convince opinion leaders in their network to tell others about it. Opinion leaders are connected, travelers, information-hungry, vocal, and exposed to the media.

Second is ammunition. Give the people something to talk about. This is why you must get out and circulate. Date, be seen, engage others and stimulate discussions within this network. The secret though is to be scarce with what you offer. Performing and being seen every week at the same clubs is not too appealing. Remember this when trying to build a buzz.

Six rules about BUZZ.

Keep it simple. Elaborate campaigns are not always needed.

Tell what's new. Don't bother with self-praise; focus on what's new with the product or service.

Don't make claims that you can't support. Don't say that it's the biggest showcase of the year in January. What happens if you have another showcase in July? Will it be the second biggest showcase of the year?

Ask your customers what's so special about your product or performance. If they can't articulate it, they can't pass it on.

Start measuring buzz. After your campaign, ask your customers if they recommended what you offered.

Listen to the buzz. Ask your customers what they think of your product and services.

Remember, nothing happens until something is sold. There's nothing to a buzz about if nothing was brought. How can you measure a buzz if you have no numbers to compare it with? I know of one artist who is always "creating a buzz" but there is no end result.

Hopefully, this will help to aid in your "buzz."

Tips to Reach & Win Over New Fans

When it comes to Major Labels and them investing in to an up and coming Artist they tend to spend a lot of money on "shotgun" marketing. They promote the artist and material to target a segment of the population (which is usually millions of people), knowing that only a small percentage will be interested enough to respond and become fans. This widespread tactic often works well enough to sell a lot of CDs and concert tickets - but it is very expensive.

Realistically, underground artist can't afford "shotgun" marketing. You have to find effective, low-cost ways to go directly to your one-in-a-thousand fans. Here are four simple steps you can take to reach and win over new fans:

1. Define Your Distinct Musical Identity -
Have a firm grasp on what your music is about. What sets you apart from other acts? What attitude or social statement do you make? Being an R&B or hip-hop act won't do it. You need to dig deeper and discover your uniqueness. When you finally reach your rare potential fans, don't lose them by not being clear about your music identity. If you can't readily tell someone exactly what motivates your music, take the time and focus on this step.

2. Describe Your Ideal Fan
Once you know who you are musically, it is time to figure out your ideal fan. How old are they? How do they dress? Where do they live? Where do they work? What TV shows do they watch? What do they do to relax? Who are their cultural hero's? Pay close attention to the types of people who come to see you perform and take notes about what they have in common. If you know exactly who your fans are, you will be able to decide which avenues you use to reach them and how you communicate your message once you do reach them.

3. Determine How to Get Access to Your Fans
Once you know exactly what type of music fan you need to go after, make a list of the resources and venues these specific people are attracted to. What magazine and newspapers do they read? Where do they hang out socially? What radio stations do they listen to? What retail outlets do they frequent? What web sites do they surf to? What e-mail newsletters, blogs and pod casts do they subscribe to? Make list of the gold resources you find.

4. Network and Promote Your Music
Get busy and use your targeted list of contacts and resources. Send e-mail press releases to niche media outlets. Make contact with the webmasters and editors of appropriate publications. Post messages and comments in specialized forums and on blogs. Visit and interact via web sites of similar-sounding bands. Contact organizations and charities related to your music niche.

BUILD YOUR FAN BASE!

I sincerely hope you readers are taking note of this - know it sounds corny to say do research and learn your fan base but I promise it is needed. A friend told me yesterday that Beyonce was washed up - I pointed out to him that he is a complete hip hop/ neo soul black male over the age of 25 and that Beyonce's music isn't geared towards him so of course he is going to feel that way. You can't please everyone in the world but there are a host of them that will appreciate your music if they are just like you!

Where You Want To Be

Lately, a lot of my inspiration to continue working within this MUSIC industry (working with actual Fortune 500 companies is so much easier) has come from a great friend, my role model, Aaron Arnold of Music is my Business. It's hard to really pinpoint one thing about him that stands out, just take my word when I say he is a motivated young man who has accomplished a lot in a short amount of time.

With that being said, I'd like to possibly introduce two networking sites that I encourage many people to take apart of. These are two sites ran by some of the most highly respected men in the industry; Ludacris & Super producer/Song Writer Bryan Michael Cox.


Wemix.com is Ludacris' home away from home. The site allows you to make a profile, upload your music, network with other talented people and most importantly, be involved in personal contest that Luda puts on. dope, aye?


TheStudioExposed.com is Bryan's networking site - it is one of those Ning.com hook ups. Joining different groups and participating in contest and forums are some of the key highlights on the site. Not to mention a host of Musicians seeking Producers, Song writers and Artist.

I'd suggest not trying to put on a front for the Talents that run the show. In due time after networking and building a name amongst the site may be what is best; be genuine about it also. Take advantage and click every tab possible and get in on the action.

Not that I should have to say this, but I am in no way shape or form paid by either of these men to promote their site, I am a member of both sites for reasons separate of yours; research. My research has allowed me to come back and share the great sites with you!