The past few days have been very hard. I have been trying to keep focussed and get a marketing plan sorted out. But to be honest, I have found it all very draining. I believe in this with a passion - I know I have one of the hottest bands in New Zealand under me, but my lack of experience in marketing is really starting to show and it's taking it's toll on me - emotionally.
I have been thinking about this next post. I thought about writing one on "how to grow your local fan base", but then I remembered what this blog is all about - and that is: keeping it real. Why write about how to grow a local fan base when I haven't accomplished it yet?! Why search the internet and gather all the information I can find, come up with my own idea's and tell you all about it when I haven't tried it out myself? That's not keeping it real.
So please bear with me in this post as I'm not going through an easy time. I find it very frustrating and I'm just not sure what to do about it or where to go. The hardest part I'm finding is that I bare this all on my own shoulders. It's my sole responsibility and I guess it's wearing me down. I think if I had a person at my side working on it all with me - that could motivate me when I needed it (like now) or inspire me and vice versa then it'd be much easier to keep my head above water.
But sadly at this time, with all the crap we are enduring here locally (yes it still goes on - I heard the band's song that did really well on YouTube was played by one of the local bands at their gig and posted onto YouTube - making full mockery of the band I manage), not only all that, but all the problems with having to pay to play (will explain this in my next post) at venues and needing to organise other bands to play with... well, I'm starting to lose motivation.
But.... I will get through this.... somehow. I will brainstorm over the next 12 hours and let you know what I come up with. I think I need some "me" time to sit where it's quiet and think. I wrote this post to keep you up to date and just let you know where I'm at, and that I haven't forgotten my blog! :)
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Not Every Day Is A Good Day
Thursday, May 8, 2008
It's Not What You Know, But Who You Know
As I have mentioned on here several times, it's not what you know but who you know. Especially in a country as small as New Zealand.
This is probably common knowledge and expands further than just New Zealand. But at the end of the day - unless you are one of the movers and shakers within the music industry, or are good friends with them, then you are not going to get heard - at least, not on commercial radio. It's as simple as that. Actually, that's probably why we often listen to the radio and think "how the hell did that band manage to get on there?!". Come on... we've all thought that.
I have the perfect example of such a corruptive industry: at the 2007 New Zealand Music Awards, The Mint Chicks were the winners in five categories. In each of those same categories, New Zealand band Opshop were also nominated. Now, here's where it gets interesting - Opshop won the 'People's Choice' Award (i.e a category where the general public vote for their favourite band). What's even MORE interesting, is that The Mint Chicks were not even a finalist in that category!! Go figure!
Need I say more?! I think not.
Sounds all pretty depressing right? Fear not, for I believe there is a way to break through all this crap and get to the commercial audience. It has been done before... and I'll tell you how in the next post.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Who Is Right: Consumer Or Industry?
One thing I don't understand is why there is so much controversy over what is deemed suitable for airplay. There's so much argument over what is considered 'commercial' or 'mainstream' - but let's face it, that's what your music needs to be to even have a chance at getting airplay!
Some people describe commercial music as 'music that is designed for public consumption, usually not brilliant music'. But here's my take on "commercial" music: I think it's music that would be popular to the wider audience. Yes it could be construed as anything from pop to soft rock, but even go as far as hard rock. As long as it remains melodic with strong hooks and appealing to the masses - I think you could be considered commercial. So, when I describe something as "commercial", please understand that this is what I mean.
One would think that any music with a following and a tonne of feedback, including great reviews/comments and inquiries as to tours etc could be deemed as 'commercial' music and suitable for airplay?
The band I manage are considered 'Arena Rock' and could be described as brilliant music designed with a soul that people have latched on to en mass - hence, they more than deserve airplay as that will only broaden their fan base. Yet, when approaching radio programmers, I'm told that it's "cheesy". Trust me, you can't get any more "cheesy" than some of what's on the radio these days! I have stopped short of saying that to them. haha
I guess my point here is that - I gotta wonder why radio programmers think the way they do. If you run a radio station - don't you want to appeal to the majority? Therefore, when a band comes along that shows that they have the whole package - including a fan base and great songs that are loved by those that have heard them, then why don't they get really excited about that?
I know, I know, it all comes down to the politics games. But at the end of the day - what kind of business are you running when you don't stay true to the music?!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
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Tuesday, April 22, 2008
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