Events: "The List" Open Mic

If your looking for an open mic showcase in Atlanta tonight make sure you check out "The List."

For more info please contact atlrocks@gmail.com

When: Every Tuesday Night

Where: Geisha House(Atlantic Station)

Time: 9pm-12pm






**If you have an event to help the music community please send info to osman@patchwerk.com**

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Digital Minded: Making Music With iPad

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10-Minute Music Practice

One person may practice an instrument for an hour a day, another for only 10 minutes a day. And yet the person who practices for 10 minutes may make more progress than the one who practices for an hour. Why? Because the person who plays for only 10 minutes may spend that time in focused practice, working on developing new skills.

The person who practices for an hour may spend that time playing songs, pieces, or scales that he or she already knows. Music practice is tackling something you don’t know; can’t play; or don’t yet understand; or, it’s working on a technique that feels unfamiliar or difficult.

Practicing music correctly is a lot like getting in shape. If you walk on a treadmill an hour a day while reading a magazine, and you set the speed and incline to the same comfortable level each day, your fitness level will remain largely the same at the end of six months.

If, however, you devote only 20 minutes to the treadmill just three days a week, but put all of your physical and mental energy (no magazines) into the task at hand, you will likely be stronger and better toned at the end of six months than the person who walked for an hour without breaking a sweat.

During that 20 minutes, you may have challenged yourself by slowly increasing the treadmill incline and/or raising your walking speed. The concept of challenging yourself for short periods of time translates perfectly to music practice.

So, start out by practicing for 10 minutes a day. If you want to increase it to 15 minutes, and later to 20 or 30 minutes, that’s great. If not, that’s fine, too. You will make significant progress practicing 10 minutes a day if you challenge yourself during those 10 minutes. There are many accomplished, professional musicians who never practiced for hours a day!

They likely spent countless hours playing music in band or orchestra settings, but practicing may only have been done to review the most challenging or difficult parts of the music.

If you follow the 10 principles in this book, you will learn your instrument more quickly and more thoroughly over the course of one year than if you practice a full hour a day – the wrong way ‐ for 5 years! These principles will be particularly useful for people who have been stuck at the same level for years; people who are returning to music after a long time away from it; or for beginners.

The 10 Principles of 10-Minute Music Practice


1. Establish a long‐term musical goal, and keep it in mind at each practice session.
2. Focus on your strengths, not on your weaknesses. Work only on the weaknesses that are relevant to your long‐term musical goal (Principle No. 1).
3. Set a short‐term goal before each practice session so you know how the 10 minutes will be used before you start.
4. Practice what you don’t know, not what you do know.
5. If it sounds good, it’s not practice, and it doesn’t count toward your practice session.
6. Don’t practice anything wrong; not one note or one beat. When in doubt, triple check the note or beat, and then check it again.
7. Don’t play pieces or songs through from beginning until end; work on parts or pieces of songs.
8. Leave your instrument out, or, if you’re a singer, leave your music out on a music stand, in a place where you will see it every day.
9. Practice for at least 10 minutes every day. If you miss days, don’t give up. Just get back on schedule.
10. Don’t practice the same thing, in the same order, that you did the day before.


For more info purchase Leah R. Garnett’s book, Ten‐Minute Music Practice – How to Do It and Why It Works

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Digital Minded: Music & Mobile Apps

 Music-based mobile apps are one of the most powerful tools in a musician’s digital marketing arsenal. They appear to be a hit with the generation-y market. Beyond that, the apps provide a deeper engagement with your audience.

In order to maximize your potential for connecting with audiences, your app must be user-friendly and addictive. You do that by providing value to users. Make it simple to use and allow opt-in subscriptions for your podcast(s). Subscribers get new podcast episodes forwarded directly to their phone.

Your mobile app should also include additional features that are engaging and addictive for users. These features will add entertainment value to your app if executed properly. Make some app features default and others opt-in so users can customize their experience and dictate their level of engagement with your app.

Ideas for app features:

* Music biz news feed (RSS)
* Twitter feed
* Blog/website feed (RSS)
* A rhythm game like Tap Tap Revenge that showcases your music
* A search engine for streaming your music
* Video feeds for web concerts (on ustream.TV and other digital networks), video blog updates, behind-the-scenes footage, music videos, and anime mini-series
* MP3 feed of your latest songs and mixtapes

Allow users to comment on your app content from their phone via Twitter. Facilitate sharing (and comments) to your social media pages (YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc). Invite users to live chats with your band members through Skype and other networks.

Don’t stop there though. Give users access to your entire multimedia library of original content. Let them search and download your mp3s, e-books, and other content directly to their phone. But please DO NOT skip over optimizing all content for mobile phone use, otherwise your files will be too large and the user experience will be poor. Get the user experience wrong and people will use your app once and never return.

Free vs Premium
Marketing through mobile apps takes you direct-to-fan and connects you with your audience. It’s your choice whether to sell your app but keep in mind that more users with your app means more people with access to your music. I personally recommend offering a free app in addition to a premium version with value-added features and content.

Even when downloaded there’s no guarantee that your app will be used or your music listened to. But if your app provides value and is engaging for your users, there’s a good chance that your music will get heard.

Source: Discmakers

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Digital Minded:The Apple Takeover

Apple is preparing to make labels pull out the white flag. Phil Leigh, who is a senior analyst at Inside Digital Media discussed with Billboard about how Apple is going to change the landscape of how music is discovered, shared, and experienced. 


The iPhone and iPad, he says, will transform the nature of media consumption by driving discovery and sharing. These always-connected devices will make their way into consumers’ cars, he predicts, and fill the void left by declining radio listenership.



Most notably, Leigh expects the iPhone and iPad to be the vehicles through which to launch both ad-supported and premium subscription services. Apple’s acquisition of Lala has yet to bear any visible fruit, but Leigh thinks they’re on their way and will be crucial to record labels and publishers because of the sharing and discovery they will enable.


Here is an excerpt from the article:


So you envision the iPhone and/or iTunes eventually replacing radio for a lot of people. Is it going to be based on something similar to Lala now, where there is free streaming or limited free streaming and purchasing? 

The impression I get now is that the service cannot be put on to the iPhone because it’s not authorized by the labels and publishers. They are wary of permitting that because they’re concerned it will adversely impact demand for CDs. But, if they did give their OK, I think you’d ultimately see two types of Lala services and it would be much like it is today except there would be commercials interrupting like there is on radio. But it would be free and it would pay for itself with the commercial advertisements. That would enable people who didn’t want to pay anything to discover new releases and share them with their friends on Facebook, do searches to listen to these new songs and thereby discover new music. Those who want to avoid commercials can pay for a subscription service, which I think does have the opportunity to gain popularity now because of the change in paradigm. Connected online devices like the iPhone and iPad available in the car is like 30 or 40 years ago when HBO became part of the cable network. It was an added premium subscription service that most people didn’t get because they were willing to watch whatever was available on TV that was afforded by advertising. But a few people would pay because they wanted the content and avoidance of the commercials.

You’ve encouraged content owners such as record labels to work with Apple. Does Apple have so much innovation and so much value to provide to content owners that they can’t refuse to say no? 

With radio audiences in decline, I don’t think there’s much choice but to turn to the Internet. So, that’s the clear option. As you decide to turn to the Internet as a medium to popularize new releases, then you have to choose which companies can do that effectively. If you leave Apple out of the picture, then really you’re just shooting yourself in the foot.

Other than video, how do you see the iPad being used for music? 

The iPad is going to be a heavy media consumption device. But it’s not just going to be video. It’s going to be newspapers and music as well. Once consumers get accustomed to using the iPad for consuming music, they’re going to automatically discover that it’s easy to share the music and search for music on Google and get free playbacks. That is going to significantly stimulate the demand for new releases and popularize new releases because it will enable music to get shared in ways it never could. If you think of the iPad or the iPhone as a mutant form of a handheld radio, it’s kind of a radio that enables to say, “I really like that song, let me immediately share it will all my friends.” That’s the way music is popularized. There’s never been a way technically to do that before. Now it’s going to become routine because these devices are affordable, they’re always connected and about 60% of music listening is in the car and they can easily connect to car stereos.

Source: Billboard.biz

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SEEDA Contest: Winners Announced

Last month we held a one week, "Beat Competition" in which the grand prize winner won $1000 and 4 runner ups won $500 each! No submission fees! No requirements! Just ONE Beat! ONE Week! ONE Thousand Dollars! It took us longer than expected to tally up all the results but here you go... CONGRATS TO ALL THE WINNERS and even if you didn't win make sure you check back often and subscribe to our email list so you can be notified of any contests we have in the future!

WINNERS...

1st Place - Jonathan Presha
2nd Place - Sean Wallace
3rd Place - Terry Walker Jr
4th Place - Roger Helm
5th Place - Sharra Gaston

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Importance Of Artist Management

Written By: Peter “LA-2A” Cho

Are you an artist who is looking for a manager? Even better are you an artist wondering what qualities to look for in a good manager? If so, you should definitely check out this article because I will be talking about the importance of an artist manager.

Having a good manager and a team can help an artist maintain a level of success and continue that success in the long run. If you are looking to do this as a career, than you should work with a good music manager who will look out for your best interest. When you look at all the successful artists and who their managers were, it will make sense to a lot of people on how that artist got their career blown up.

If you are a person who wants respect and control of your career, Do NOT let your friends or family get behind your career, because it could affect the relationship with your family or friends. Trust me, it will take some work to go out and find someone with the professional skills and connect. But in the long run you will be happy with the decisions that you’ve made for your career.

Managing an artist in the music industry job uses science, business, and a good measure of creativity to achieve success for clients. One thing that people should know is that the work of an artist manager in the music business is different from other kinds of managers.

Success comes from planning ahead of time and having the passion to accomplish goals. When a manager identifies achievable goals, they will often collaborate with stakeholders to develop a set of logical steps to achieve them. Those plans become the framework for successfully meeting goals. “Planning is identifying where you want to go, why you want to go there, how you will get there, what you need in order to get there and how you will know if you’re there or not.” (McNamara, 2006) Planning is viewed as a road map that helps identify the route to being successful.

Make sure your manager knows how to carefully plan your career, it could save a lot of head-aches. If you don’t see them actively progressing your career, than you automatically know they aren’t coming through on their end.

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Know Your Worth!

Ice Cube set the standard back in 1990 for recognizing and realizing his worth with his royalties dispute against,N.W.A manager,Jerry Heller. Cube wrote 45% of the studio album debut, Straight Outta Compton released in 1988. His refusal to sign the contract lead to him leaving N.W.A. This prove to be a power move for Ice Cube considering the success he would go on to achieve. Artist let Ice Cube serve as a great example of knowing your worth and NEVER settle for less.


Cube
Uploaded by skaybn. - Explore more music videos.

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Finding The Right Lawyer

A logical question is, "How do I get myself one of these lawyers who can open doors for me at record labels?" As in the case of club bookers, managers, booking agents, and labels, you will have a far easier time attracting a lawyer if you have already done some work on your own.

The answer is, you must have developed aspects of your career, beyond just being a talented artist, that will give the lawyer some hope that he will be able to pique the interest of a record company. Good lawyers will not risk damaging their reputation by submitting a demo to a record company if they don't feel that there is some chance that the record company will be interested. The reason that they will not do this, once again, has to do with professional courtesy. Most good lawyers know that A&R people will open a package from a lawyer they don’t know once. If the enclosed demo is appropriately prepared and targeted, the lawyer will be perceived as understanding the process. His future packages will also be opened, business may be referred to him, and a holiday card will likely be forthcoming.

Lawyers also know that the inverse is also true. If, out of professional courtesy, an A&R person opens a package from a lawyer whom they don’t know, and the demo within satisfies few or none of the requirements that it should, then there is little likelihood of future packages from that lawyer being opened. This is why lawyers, like everyone else in the business, are going to be very selective about whom they represent. They know their reputation and ability to generate revenue for themselves is contingent upon the artists with whom they choose to work.

You will have a far easier chance of securing a lawyer to shop your demo if you can present a good package. Once you have your demo package, submit it to lawyers in the same way you submit it to prospective managers, labels, and booking agents. Some lawyers may sign on early in your career and help you develop yourself in order to give you a better chance to get signed. Just don’t expect a lawyer to come in, and simply by his connections, allow you to leapfrog all the steps that artists must go through to get signed. In fact, if a lawyer contends that he can help you skip any of these steps, I would be very leery about him.

Source: Artisthousemusic

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Who's Werking?

Studio 9000

Usher recently had his International Press Day at PatchWerk Studios. Media from across the world came to interview the R&B Superstar about his latest release. Raymond v. Raymond is the forthcoming sixth studio album by R&B singer Usher. The album features production from Jermaine Dupri amongst others including The Runners, Ester Dean,T-Pain, Polow da Don, Ne-Yo, Anthony Hamilton, The Neptunes, Adam Levine, RedOne, and Tricky Stewart.

Trina is set to release ‘Amazin' , her fifth studio album on May 04, 2010. Collaborations with Nicki Minaj, Keri Hilson, Lady Gaga, Lyfe Jennings, Trey Songz, Monica, Diddy, Flo Rida and Shonie have been confirmed. Many critics complimented on the album's preview stating "Amazin' is catered for the dance floor . Trina was recently having several songs for the album mixed at PatchWerk Studios by guest engineer Ray Seay, assisted by PatchWerk engineer Dee Brown..

Rick Ross has confirmed recent speculation he will reunite with singer John Legend for a collaboration track from his upcoming 5^th studio album, Teflon Don. In addition to speaking on Legend, the rapper also described his new album as being the biggest of his career thus far. Recently Rick Ross was at PatchWerk Studios having songs mixed by guest engineer Ray Seay, assisted by PatchWerk engineer Dee Brown.

Other sessions in 9000 included those for Ludacris (L. Brathwaite) Juan (L. Brathwaite) Reggie Cash Flow (Ray Seay), Lola (K. Anders), Plies (Rob Marks), Celebrity (M. Miller), Rocko (Ray Seay) Marky (L. Brathwaite), Brisco (Ray Seay), Young Tay (M. Solis), Hip Hop Central (D. Brown), Str8 (Ray Seay), BMI (M. Solis), Glasses Malone (L. Brathwaite), Khalil/Sean Garrett (M. Miller), Eastside Jodi (Ray Seay), Alley Boy (K. Anders), Winsonic Digital

Studio 995

In addition to hosting True School Radio every Friday night, starting two record labels (Jamla & The Academy),Co-teaching a class titled "Sampling Soul" with Dr. Mark Anthony Neal at Duke University, and serving as the lead producer of the NBA Live 11 Soundtrack, producer 9^th Wonder is busy in the studio working on several projects. ‘Fornever’ is the fourth collaboration album by rapper MURS & 9th, released on April 13, 2010 on SMC Recording. 9^th Wonder is also in the studio working on other collaboration albums including ‘ Death of a Pop Star’ with David Banner and ‘The Solution’ with Buckshot. He will also release a remix album entitled ‘9^th Invented the Remix..AGAIN ‘ a sequel to the 2003 release. Recently 9^th Wonder was at PatchWerk Studios working with Redbull and PatchWerk engineer Mike Wilson.

Musician, producer, singer and songwriter Sean Garrett, who has been responsible for a series of chart-topping compositions, was also in the studio this past March recording with artist Khalil. All Sean Garrett’s sessions were engineered by PatchWerk engineer Mike “Snotty” Miller assisted.

Record Producer/songwriter/keyboardist/vocalist Big Jim Wright of the famed Flyte Tyme Productions (Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis) came to PatchWerk this past March to work on a few projects. Big Jim is known for working with a virtual Who’s Who of modern musical greats including, Sounds of Blackness, Janet Jackson, Sting, Elton John, Mariah Carey, Aretha Franklin, Rod Stewart, The Isley Brothers, …. Among his latest undertakings: a creative collaboration with Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis in executive producing, writing, and scoring the Beyoncé Knowles and Cuba Gooding Jr. feature film, Fighting Temptation, the end title song “Definition of Love” performed by Deborah Cox from the film Akeelah and the Bee, “Ne Me Laisse Pas Seule Ici” and “Nobody Cares” for the soundtrack from the biographical and historical drama film Hotel Rwanda.

Other session in 995 included those for Koe-Kay Know (M. Wilson / K. Anders), Gucci Mane (K. Anders), Christy Hunter (M. Wilson), Adrena Taylor (M. Wilson), PRGZ (M. Wilson) , Dez (D. Brown), Chopper City (Archie), Waka Flaka Flame (K. Anders), Huge Music (D. Brown), Lords & Lady (M. Wilson), C-Nile (M. Wilson), Yung Gwapa (M. Wilson), Chi (M. Wilson), Joey Gaskin (M. Miller), DJ Scream (K. Anders), Yelawolf (M. Solis), Alley Boy (K. Anders), Indi-Glo (M. Wilson), Cocaino (Drumma Boy), Waka Flak Flame (K. Anders), Dre (K. Anders)

Studio 1019

R&B and soul singer/songwriter and guitarist, Tweet was in PatchWerk’s Studio 1019 for several days working with PatchWerk engineer Mike “Snotty” Miller. Tweet is due to release her third studio album, Love, Tweet on Umbrella Recordings. It was originally scheduled for a June 2008 release but was later canceled. The project was rumored to have been shelved, but was later confirmed for a fall 2008 release. In late 2009, the song “Love Again” began making the rounds online, a sign that a full track list might finally follow. Love, Tweet will be release sometime in 2010.

Recording artist and producer, B.o.B. AKA Bobby Ray Simmons was in PatchWerk’s studio 1019 this March. B.o.B. is currently signed under the labels of Grand Hustle and Atlantic Records. He has described his influences as "80's music, Rap, techno, rock, funk, even du wop…" His debut album, The Adventures of Bobby Ray, was released in 2009 under T.I.'s record label Grand Hustle.

Other sessions in 1019 included those for Yelawolf (Will Power), East Side Jodi (M. Solis), Glasses Malone (M. Solis), J Bean (D. Brown), Pen Palz (M. Solis), Filmoe Slimm (D. Brown), Eric Sire (J. Brown), Cartoon (M. Wilson), Rich Money Yung 40 (M. Wilson), Blake (L. Banks), Dat Boy P (M. Wilson), Wise (M. Miller). Reggie (M. Miller)

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Events: How To Be Your Own Music Retailer

Music, Marketing, and Money...that's what it's all about, right? Learning how to make money in the music industry starts with understanding those 3 key areas first! That Retail Chick has been in the music business for 14 years selling music in Atlanta, and assisting major labels in implementing marketing strategies!

This seminar is all about making sure that YOU make the right decisions before YOU go any further! In addition, by the end of it, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO BE YOUR OWN MUSIC RETAILER!! How successful can you really be as an artist or label owner if you don't understand retail???


The information provided in this seminar will include:

* Marketing Plans That Work For Independent Artist In The Music industry
* The Physical & Digital Truth About Distribution
* How To Create A "Direct-To-Fan" Platform
* Structure: The People You Need On Your Team To Be Effective
* Q & A with That Retail Chick


REGISTER TODAY! FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 404.829.2679 OR 800.607.1220 OR EMAIL THATRETAILCHICK@GMAIL.COM

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The Importance Of A Good Bio

Written by Crystal Ochemba

As an artist, your bio is your business card to the music community. It helps fans, press, booking agents, managers, and record labels know who you are and what you are all about Because I am sure you are more than your hit single. What are your goals, intentions, who is the person behind the 16 bars?


Key information to include in your bio:
1. Contact information: Make sure that everything associated with your project has your contact information on it. Also make sure that the SAME contact information is on all your material (cds, flyers and other promo items). It’s all about consistency. For example, don’t have your twitter name on your facebook but forget to include it on your bio or your myspace. COORDINATE!

2. Influences: Tell your audience and potential followers what influences you to make the music you create. Use keywords such as like hybrid, myriad, collage, or infused to describe how your unique sound was created from those specific influences.

3. Band Members and important people: Very briefly list who is in your group (if you have one) and other people who play an important role such as your manager, publicist, booking agent, etc. Don’t be afraid to mention any big names that you may have collaboration or do business with because it may provide the cred you need to get a good fanbase.

4. Any Other Relevant Information: Make sure to list past performances, tours, and events in which you had an appearance. Also list any magazines, blogs, or site where you were featured or mentioned.

5. Humor/Individuality: Make sure you personalize the bio and show your personality that fits you (and your group). Make the bio unique.

So when including a bio on your MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and any other social media page, be sure to include important elements. Keep in mind that in most cases this is your bands first impression to make on somebody before they've even heard your music. It is sometimes your only chance to get your music heard and the last thing you want is to mess up any opportunity.

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What Keeps Artist From Networking???

Written by Crystal Ochemba

Networking is one of the most essential building blocks for an artist. Many times, the music industry is about WHO you know most importantly. Networking events presents opportunities for artists to interact with other on a more personal level and to develop effective relationships. However, some people are not comfortable with walking into a room full of strangers and starting conversations. But this skill is essential for building your business team (i.e. promoters, manager, etc) or even creating your following (fan base). If you are an aspiring artists… simply performing at open mic’s won’t cut it. How else will anyone know who you are and what are you trying to do. Netwerk! Netwerk! Netwerk!

Now that you understand why networking is important… how you overcome the shy-guy (or girl) syndrome?

One of the main reasons people stray away from networking is because they are reluctant to talk to strangers. To get past this discomfort, try setting a goal for yourself before attending any event. Have it set in your mind that before you leave back out the door, you will meet and greet a designate number of people…hmmm…let’s say 5 is a good number to start. Keep in mind that if you only speak to the people you know at these events, you will definitely miss out on the opportunity to make a new connection, find your manager, your marketing team, your publicist, or even YOUR BIG BREAK! Come up with a conversation starter to break the ice. Try: “What do you do?”… Or simply introduce yourself. Get familiar with faces and take a mental note of who is who…and who does what.

Secondly, someone may shy away from networking and making connections for fear of being seen as too pushy. My advice: BE YOURSELF! If you walk up to someone and attempt to introduce yourself or make a connection and they don’t seem interested ON TO THE NEXT ONE! Don’t take it personally. You will make all the right connections that night with or without that individual’s interest.

I’ve also noticed that many people shy away from approaching someone to network for fear that their intentions may be misunderstood. For example, when approaching someone of the opposite sex, they may feel as though you are flirting and not simply attempting to make a connection. Quite honestly, as long as you keep the conversation professional and entirely focused on the topic at hand, you should have no problem being misunderstood. If so, make it very clear your intentions and KEEP IT MOVING!

Hope this helps! Open up and NetWERK!!!!!

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Obviously Subliminal

Written by Portia Jay

There was once a time when consumer products couldn’t be shown in movies and television. They were often replaced by a made up brand. Apparently times have changed the product placement in movies and television now is so obvious it’s kind of annoying. Tyler Perry’s most recent film, ‘Why Did I Get Married Too’ featured just about every top rated product in America.

Will this extend to music videos as well? Music videos have always been a great avenue to display clothes, shoes, alcohol, and cars; but these featured items are being displayed a little differently. Instead of just being an item in the video they are being highlighted. Christian Louboutin shoes can be easily identified by the signature red bottoms, which for some reason will be showcased in the video. Liquor companies like Nuvo are surely enjoying all the extra exposure in music videos by just about every R&B and rap artist out now.




Vehicles aren’t as easily accessible by the regular consumer, though many wish they could just go and buy the new Bentley just because. However technology is something a little different. All the new phones, Ipods, and headphones are just at the local Best Buy.

I suppose this is great for the artist, being sponsored by a company will cut cost for the artist and record label. Should viewers expect to start seeing an artist singing with a Coke can or box of Cheerios in their hand? Honestly there are enough commercials on television to reduce an hour long show to less than 40 minutes.

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Do Social Networking Sites Impact Artists Incomes

Does being on social networking sites impact an artist’s income? According to the results of a study done by Dave Carter, Music Technology Lecturer at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, Griffith University. it does. The Music Void has an exclusive on this report this morning.

Although done on a small representative group of independent Australian artists, only 99 were followed from 2006 to 2009, all distributed by the same company, it does break this group down into three categories:

Artists with a low profile (little to no media coverage/airplay)
Emerging profile (formed within the last 3 years, small to medium venues)
Established profile (3+ years, regular coverage in national media, medium to large venues).

This report clearly illustrates how artists on mulitple interlocking sites earned the most and which sites offered the best returns.

http://blog.maxlowe.net/2008/02/04/the-top-10-music-social-networks/

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IdO Weekend 2010 - Behind The Scenes Footage!!!

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10 Strategies of Success

Music Power Network's David Kusek is the vice president of one of the most prestigious music
colleges in the world called Berklee College of Music. Mr. Kusek was also a co-developer in the development of MIDI! Being that Mr. Kusek has been such an innovative hand in the way we make music today, he provided us with his 10 strategies of success that goes as followed:

1. Living a life in music is a privilege. Earn it.

If you make this your life’s work, then you can be truly joyful. However, the chances of being successful are extremely low and the only people who are going to get there are going to have to work hard and earn the right to be a musician. Respect the privilege of being free enough to have this choice (if you do) and honor the opportunity.

2. No one is in charge of your muse but you. Be happy and positive.

People can be their own worst enemy. Countless times I have heard artists tell me the reasons why their career is not working out. Most of the time they are putting blocks in their way and pointing fingers at people and things that are holding them back. Stop whining and blaming other people and make the conscious decision that you are going to be successful and that things are going to work out in your favor. You are creating your own reality every day, so make it a good one and excel.

3. Practice, practice, practice – then go for it. Over prepare.

You can never be ready enough for opportunity. Your live shows can always be better, your songs can be more amazing, and your playing can only improve. As the CEO of your own musician business, you can learn how to run the company more effectively, reach out to more fans and be an more effective social media marketer. Don’t hold yourself back by not being ready. Be a professional.

4. If you suck, you will never make it. Find a way to be great.

Lets face it, it is really hard to be amazing. Some people have the natural talent and you can see it in the first 5 seconds of meeting them. They are truly blessed. The rest of us have to find our niche, our passion, our calling and then reach for it. Ask people around you for feedback. Find what you are good at and focus on that. Get other people to help you. If you don’t stand out and rise above the pack, you will struggle forever. Be amazing.

5. Learn how to breathe and keep your focus. Stay calm.

There is nothing more pleasant than working with someone who knows who they are and what their goal is. Remember the old adages of thinking before you speak, and taking a deep breath before you lay into someone. Most of us have a lot going on in our lives and we can all benefit from staying focused on our goals and remaining calm in most situations. Learn yoga, exercise, run, meditate, sit still, breathe, learn who you are.

6. Don’t take yourself too seriously, no one else does. Have fun.

I am amazed at how many people spend so much time looking backwards and trying to understand what people think of them. This is worrying about the past and not embracing the future. Reviews are important, but don’t run to them or let them ruin your day. Not everyone is going to like you, but more people will if you are having a good time.

7. No matter how difficult things get, move forward. Don’t give up.

The only thing that will help your career take off is forward momentum. That is how you are going to reach your goals. A lot of people are stuck in their own mud. Take action, make a move and then see what happens. Don’t spend time procrastinating or worrying about how hard it is, just do something positive to advance your cause. You will feel much better by acting instead of waiting or worrying.

8. Find a way to make money. Start small and grow. Avoid being in debt.

This is probably the most important strategy of them all and why so many artists have gotten into trouble in the past by taking label advances. All that is, is a big loan. Get some kind of cash flow happening right away, no matter how small. Sell merch, play for the door, license your songs, play sessions, teach, write, start your musician business. The biggest mistake you can make is to borrow a lot of money and then spend it on things that don’t matter.

9. Be unique and true to your vision. Say something.

The people that we remember are the ones that are unique, exciting, special, provocative, fascinating, original, inventive, interesting. Music is a basic form of communication. The really successful artists have something to say and work on delivering their message. Your chances of success go up exponentially if you have a unique position and message and create a following of fans who really listen to you because you have something important to say.

10. Work and play with people you like every day. Collaborate Often.

Music is a tribal experience. You cannot make great music alone. Surround yourself with talented people, write together, play together, try new things. Bounce inspiration off of each other and learn. Listen to each other and let the music weave it’s way around you. Find a producer, songwriting partner, other musicians and dive in together. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

All phenomenal, and insightful things; I ask every music maker to take this and apply it to yourself, career, and lifestyle and see if it doesn't make a difference.

I said it. You be the judge.

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