Hey Heroes,
It's true, you know. I have a hard time taking anything at face value. I don't know if it's my Buddhist leanings, or if it's my Punk Rock background, but I question everything. That's right. EVERYTHING.
I've held the belief, for as long as I can remember, that in order for a person to honestly believe something, they have to completely deconstruct the belief and analyze it from the bottom up. In essence, blind faith is for the weak minded who can't think for themselves. Harsh? Maybe, but that's how I feel.
So, you're asking yourselves, "Paul, what the fuck does this have to do with music?". Well, everything actually. How do you know that the latest trend in PR is right for you if you don't question the motives, actions, and tactics necessary for pulling it off? How do you know if the record deal you're contemplating is right if you don't question how many hands are in the pot and where the incoming money is going to? You see, questioning things can make a big difference in the outcome of our efforts.
It can also play into who we surround ourselves with, what venues we play, what sponsors we align ourselves with, and much more.
It's all about being aware and knowing what it is we're signing our names to. It's all about taking responsibility for the outcome of our efforts. It's all about understanding the consequences of our actions.
Leave the blind faith to the thoughtless masses and question what it is that's shaping your life and and your future. What could be more Rock and Roll than that?
Later,
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Show up and see what happens!
Hey Heroes!!!
Ever wonder why things may not be going as smoothly as they could, or should be? Ever wonder why our successes seem to be so choppy, uncertain, and certainly unpredictable? I struggle with that on a daily basis sometimes, but I think I may have found a bit of the answer. I don't always show up to work. Yep, sometimes I'm here, but I get caught up in the wrong things. I'm busy following that funny-ass thread on Facebook, or I'm busy restructuring my plan of attack for the 15th time, or I'm just wallowing in my lack of forward momentum. So, what's the cure?
I was just re-reading The War of Art by Steven Pressfield and right there at the beginning of the book he spells it out in crystal clarity. The Artist has to SHOW UP every morning, without fail, whether we feel like it or not, whether we want to or not, whether we're scared to or not, we HAVE TO DO IT!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who's aspiring to do anything in their lives. It may be the only true instruction manual for success.
Ok, so back to showing up. Whatever it happens to look like for you, do it! I'm about to sit down and make up a sign that reminds me to show up. I'm going to pin it to the bulletin board above my desk, in the inspiration corner that I look at every morning. It will occupy space with Buddha (who reminds me to not be too attached to any outcomes), Keith Richards (who reminds me that success is a long, long road of ups and downs), and Boba Fett (who reminds me that music is a Mercenary business and we have to take what we want). I'm going to put this sign there, where I can't miss it, and then I'm going to steel myself to the idea that I'm the one who will either show up or not. It's up to me, and it's up to you too.
Time for work.
Later,
Ever wonder why things may not be going as smoothly as they could, or should be? Ever wonder why our successes seem to be so choppy, uncertain, and certainly unpredictable? I struggle with that on a daily basis sometimes, but I think I may have found a bit of the answer. I don't always show up to work. Yep, sometimes I'm here, but I get caught up in the wrong things. I'm busy following that funny-ass thread on Facebook, or I'm busy restructuring my plan of attack for the 15th time, or I'm just wallowing in my lack of forward momentum. So, what's the cure?
I was just re-reading The War of Art by Steven Pressfield and right there at the beginning of the book he spells it out in crystal clarity. The Artist has to SHOW UP every morning, without fail, whether we feel like it or not, whether we want to or not, whether we're scared to or not, we HAVE TO DO IT!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who's aspiring to do anything in their lives. It may be the only true instruction manual for success.
Ok, so back to showing up. Whatever it happens to look like for you, do it! I'm about to sit down and make up a sign that reminds me to show up. I'm going to pin it to the bulletin board above my desk, in the inspiration corner that I look at every morning. It will occupy space with Buddha (who reminds me to not be too attached to any outcomes), Keith Richards (who reminds me that success is a long, long road of ups and downs), and Boba Fett (who reminds me that music is a Mercenary business and we have to take what we want). I'm going to put this sign there, where I can't miss it, and then I'm going to steel myself to the idea that I'm the one who will either show up or not. It's up to me, and it's up to you too.
Time for work.
Later,
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Less talk, more action
You know, sometimes the hardest part of being an artist, in this day and age, is that it's so easy to get caught up in the promotion, marketing, blogging, and talking about what we do that we sometimes forget to do it. Make art that is.
For the do-it-yourselfers, there is a lot to do ourselves and if we're not careful we can end up chasing the wrong rabbit. I mean, it's great that we learn how to market the art that we make, in fact, it's a necessity. Have you ever caught yourself relating more to marketers than artists though? I know I have. That's why I've taken the last couple of weeks off from, not just this blog, but most all of my non art related pursuits. It's part of the self evaluation process I talked about a while back.
What am i doing right? What am I doing wrong? What's working and what's not? Am I digging myself into a hole or am I getting done the things that are important. I mean, the last thing I want to do is look up one morning and realize that I don't have anything to market.
Yep, sometimes it's good to just shut up and plug in the guitar, set up the easel, wet the clay, or fire up the forge. You know, whatever it is you do to express your inner god or goddess. Your tribute to the Muse. Your own unique view of the world and it's inhabitants.
It's important to talk about what we do, but it's soooooo much more important to just do it.
Later,
For the do-it-yourselfers, there is a lot to do ourselves and if we're not careful we can end up chasing the wrong rabbit. I mean, it's great that we learn how to market the art that we make, in fact, it's a necessity. Have you ever caught yourself relating more to marketers than artists though? I know I have. That's why I've taken the last couple of weeks off from, not just this blog, but most all of my non art related pursuits. It's part of the self evaluation process I talked about a while back.
What am i doing right? What am I doing wrong? What's working and what's not? Am I digging myself into a hole or am I getting done the things that are important. I mean, the last thing I want to do is look up one morning and realize that I don't have anything to market.
Yep, sometimes it's good to just shut up and plug in the guitar, set up the easel, wet the clay, or fire up the forge. You know, whatever it is you do to express your inner god or goddess. Your tribute to the Muse. Your own unique view of the world and it's inhabitants.
It's important to talk about what we do, but it's soooooo much more important to just do it.
Later,
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Are you standing in your own way?
What's up, Heroes?
Do you ever feel like no one is listening to you when you talk about your music? I know I sure do. Sometimes I feel like I talk about it all day long and people just don't give a rat's ass. Now, I know that's not necessarily the truth, because other days people are all over it and I really feel the love that folks have for what I'm doing.
This got me to pondering what it is about my message that's different from one experience to the next. How am I relating what I'm saying that makes the difference between a good response and a bad one?
First off, if you don't love what you're doing, no one else will either. It's just a fact. If you act like you don't care if people listen to your new track, chances are they won't. I mean, why put in the effort to listen to something the creator doesn't give two shits about? Get excited about your product! Love your music, it is your creation, right? You wouldn't have spent all that time making it if you didn't love it, right? Make people see how much you love it! I know I love my music!
Second. Never apologize for your music. Seriously, it doesn't work. If you don't like the way it came out, start over. Don't present things you aren't happy with to others and expect them to be happy with them. Stand behind your work and don't give time to the people who don't like it. It just means that they are not your audience, and it's ok.
Third. Never compare yourself to anyone else. Not everyone is going to make the same connections as you do. This is something that's really struck me about other peoples thoughts about my music lately. I never would have seen the same comparisons. It's cool though because you can learn things about yourself that you never knew.
Fourth. Never be too moved by someone Else's critics of your music, good or bad. If people like what you do, that's real good, but it shouldn't shape how you make your music in the future. Make it for yourself, not for others.
If we stay true to ourselves and get genuinely excited about what we produce, that will shine out to the right following, but "genuine" is the key word.
Let's stop standing in our own way and let our music shine!
Do you ever feel like no one is listening to you when you talk about your music? I know I sure do. Sometimes I feel like I talk about it all day long and people just don't give a rat's ass. Now, I know that's not necessarily the truth, because other days people are all over it and I really feel the love that folks have for what I'm doing.
This got me to pondering what it is about my message that's different from one experience to the next. How am I relating what I'm saying that makes the difference between a good response and a bad one?
First off, if you don't love what you're doing, no one else will either. It's just a fact. If you act like you don't care if people listen to your new track, chances are they won't. I mean, why put in the effort to listen to something the creator doesn't give two shits about? Get excited about your product! Love your music, it is your creation, right? You wouldn't have spent all that time making it if you didn't love it, right? Make people see how much you love it! I know I love my music!
Second. Never apologize for your music. Seriously, it doesn't work. If you don't like the way it came out, start over. Don't present things you aren't happy with to others and expect them to be happy with them. Stand behind your work and don't give time to the people who don't like it. It just means that they are not your audience, and it's ok.
Third. Never compare yourself to anyone else. Not everyone is going to make the same connections as you do. This is something that's really struck me about other peoples thoughts about my music lately. I never would have seen the same comparisons. It's cool though because you can learn things about yourself that you never knew.
Fourth. Never be too moved by someone Else's critics of your music, good or bad. If people like what you do, that's real good, but it shouldn't shape how you make your music in the future. Make it for yourself, not for others.
If we stay true to ourselves and get genuinely excited about what we produce, that will shine out to the right following, but "genuine" is the key word.
Let's stop standing in our own way and let our music shine!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Taking Care of Business
Just a BTO song? Hardly. It's just a fact of life for the Indie musician, especially the DIY types. Every day is a work day and there's never, REALLY, any time off. It's a constant plugging of, well, ourselves.
There are almost as many plans for marketing your music as there are dollars in the deficit and Social Media is time consuming, not to mention confusing as all hell. So, how do we balance the time spent marketing ourselves with the time spent making sure there is an "our self" to market? This gets even more confusing for the ones of us that have to hold down a "day job" to keep our dreams alive.
It even seems like there's a new "Ultimate Marketing Tool" being introduced every day.
How's this for a little secret? We don't have to reach everyone with our music. We just have to reach the right people. I'm finding that the amount of time I need to spend sending out my messages is drastically reduced by the simple task of locating my specific, targeted demographic beforehand. Once you've done that, it's really easy to schedule the messages to go out and get a maximum result with a minimum time expenditure. In other words, quit wasting your ammo with a "spray and pray" tactic. Set your sights and become a marketing sharpshooter. You'll hit fewer people, but you'll also be getting better results.
There are almost as many plans for marketing your music as there are dollars in the deficit and Social Media is time consuming, not to mention confusing as all hell. So, how do we balance the time spent marketing ourselves with the time spent making sure there is an "our self" to market? This gets even more confusing for the ones of us that have to hold down a "day job" to keep our dreams alive.
It even seems like there's a new "Ultimate Marketing Tool" being introduced every day.
How's this for a little secret? We don't have to reach everyone with our music. We just have to reach the right people. I'm finding that the amount of time I need to spend sending out my messages is drastically reduced by the simple task of locating my specific, targeted demographic beforehand. Once you've done that, it's really easy to schedule the messages to go out and get a maximum result with a minimum time expenditure. In other words, quit wasting your ammo with a "spray and pray" tactic. Set your sights and become a marketing sharpshooter. You'll hit fewer people, but you'll also be getting better results.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Sum Of Our Parts
Hey Heroes!
It's been a busy week here at the Serious Vanity Music compound, but we're happy with that. It means that the actions we've been taking are starting to pay off. Gotta love progress!!
In addition to it being a period of building and growing, it's also brought up a lot of thoughts that require some serious reflection. Where do we, the we that we become, come from? In essence, to be the sum of our parts, we have to understand what those parts are.
It is a given fact that we cannot change the past, and dwelling there certainly hampers our future, but we can't change the reality that those things helped to shape who we are today.
How can we use that information to help propel us forward in our music careers? I mean, beyond using it as a never ending source for our angst ridden lyrics? How can we tap into the SOUL of our past experiences and make it work for us now? Are we comfortable enough with our past experiences to be open about them and use them as a connection to people with similar life stories, or are we using them as a measurement to know the kinds of people we're trying to escape from?
Either way, coming to terms with the past can help to build a solid foundation to build your future from. It's up to us though. Are we going to be the sum of our parts, or are we going to be the victims of our past experiences?
One way is very beneficial, the other certainly destructive. It seems everything in life presents a new choice to make, and a new road to follow. Even the past.
It's been a busy week here at the Serious Vanity Music compound, but we're happy with that. It means that the actions we've been taking are starting to pay off. Gotta love progress!!
In addition to it being a period of building and growing, it's also brought up a lot of thoughts that require some serious reflection. Where do we, the we that we become, come from? In essence, to be the sum of our parts, we have to understand what those parts are.
It is a given fact that we cannot change the past, and dwelling there certainly hampers our future, but we can't change the reality that those things helped to shape who we are today.
How can we use that information to help propel us forward in our music careers? I mean, beyond using it as a never ending source for our angst ridden lyrics? How can we tap into the SOUL of our past experiences and make it work for us now? Are we comfortable enough with our past experiences to be open about them and use them as a connection to people with similar life stories, or are we using them as a measurement to know the kinds of people we're trying to escape from?
Either way, coming to terms with the past can help to build a solid foundation to build your future from. It's up to us though. Are we going to be the sum of our parts, or are we going to be the victims of our past experiences?
One way is very beneficial, the other certainly destructive. It seems everything in life presents a new choice to make, and a new road to follow. Even the past.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Active or Passive?
What's up my Heroes?!?!?
Hey, I was doing some new publishing research yesterday and got to wondering, how many Indies take a little bit of time each week to stay on top of the industry topics that can affect all of our careers? It's an easy thing to let slip, for me anyway.
Do you get bored with reading about download trends, or the newest and greatest marketing plans? Does it make you roll your eyes when Trent Reznor starts spouting about his brilliant new way to talk to his fan base, or who's selling advertising space in their cd liner notes, like this?
What do you do, on a weekly basis, to ensure that you're taking advantage of every possible opportunity to get your music in front of the right people? Are you keeping track of how well your current marketing plan is working? Are you distinguishing between natural sales lulls and fading effectiveness?
It's a constantly changing landscape for musicians these days, and staying on top of trends is just as imperative as creating new ones and it certainly is no time to let the guard down, even for a second. It could be the difference between spending your day in the studio or at the fry station.
So, that's what I've been thinking about.
Oh, and if you're interested in being a little more interactive, even if it's just to tell my how full of shit I am, add me on Facebook. Hope to see you there!
Hey, I was doing some new publishing research yesterday and got to wondering, how many Indies take a little bit of time each week to stay on top of the industry topics that can affect all of our careers? It's an easy thing to let slip, for me anyway.
Do you get bored with reading about download trends, or the newest and greatest marketing plans? Does it make you roll your eyes when Trent Reznor starts spouting about his brilliant new way to talk to his fan base, or who's selling advertising space in their cd liner notes, like this?
What do you do, on a weekly basis, to ensure that you're taking advantage of every possible opportunity to get your music in front of the right people? Are you keeping track of how well your current marketing plan is working? Are you distinguishing between natural sales lulls and fading effectiveness?
It's a constantly changing landscape for musicians these days, and staying on top of trends is just as imperative as creating new ones and it certainly is no time to let the guard down, even for a second. It could be the difference between spending your day in the studio or at the fry station.
So, that's what I've been thinking about.
Oh, and if you're interested in being a little more interactive, even if it's just to tell my how full of shit I am, add me on Facebook. Hope to see you there!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
What is your value?
Hey Heroes,
So, here's a little something that's becoming quite an issue for me. The issue of personal worth and value.
Musicians, in particular, seem to be really bad about valuing their product. Is it because no one ever told us that our Art has merit? Is it because we've all been told that we can't make a living by making music? Is it because the competition for opportunities is so stiff that we're willing to cut off our own noses to get the chance?
Do we, as musicians, not understand that if we don't place "Value" on our product, we are undervaluing Indie music in general?
Let me ask you this. How many hours did you spend recording your song? 8? 10? More?
Say you ended up with 8 hours invested in writing, arranging and recording your new track. What is that song worth?
You know, I've actually seen my fellow Indies license a fully produced song for $25.
$25 dollars. That's $3.13 an hour. I hate to break this to you, but you could make more working backline at McDonalds.
There are those that say, "Hey it weeds out the chaff so that the experienced musicians can have more opportunity". There are those who say that "you'll make up for it in exposure". There are those who say that "it's just a hobby anyway, I don't expect to make any money".
Let's take a look at each of these, one by one.
- It weeds out the inexperienced and makes more opportunity for others.
That would be awesome, except that it also trains the potential licensee to think that if one person can do it for so little then we all can. I've also actually seen licensees state that "it's only going to be an hour long, you can do it for under $50". I mean, anyone with any experience knows how much time goes into creating 1 hour of finished audio, and I would hope my time is worth more than that.
- You'll make up for it in Exposure.
What does that mean? How many commercials or TV shows (MTV and VH1 excepted)do you see songwriting credits on, I mean unless you want to count the quick rolling, micro print credits at the end of a TV show, that have just gotten shorter over the years. How exactly does that give you "Exposure"? I've actually seen people say "you could promote it on your website". Yep. You give the show/commercial free advertisement and still only reach your mailing list.
- It's just a hobby, I don't expect to make money anyway.
The problem with this attitude is that it's harmful to other Indies. In fact this is the most harmful attitude. It's a case of the bitterness of a few being employed to bring down the rest. If you only consider yourself as a hobbyist, why are you dabbling in areas where people are trying to make their livings? To make a little side money? See the McDonalds reference above.
This brings us back to the mindset of feeling that what we do doesn't have value. If music didn't have value companies wouldn't be searching for it for their adds. If music didn't have value, that kid at the guitar store wouldn't shell out $15 for a Nirvana Tab Book. If music didn't have value, you wouldn't drop $7 to sit in a smokey club and have your eardrums battered every Friday and Saturday night.
It is possible to make a living at music, but we have to value what we do.
What is your time worth?
What is your soul worth?
Later,
So, here's a little something that's becoming quite an issue for me. The issue of personal worth and value.
Musicians, in particular, seem to be really bad about valuing their product. Is it because no one ever told us that our Art has merit? Is it because we've all been told that we can't make a living by making music? Is it because the competition for opportunities is so stiff that we're willing to cut off our own noses to get the chance?
Do we, as musicians, not understand that if we don't place "Value" on our product, we are undervaluing Indie music in general?
Let me ask you this. How many hours did you spend recording your song? 8? 10? More?
Say you ended up with 8 hours invested in writing, arranging and recording your new track. What is that song worth?
You know, I've actually seen my fellow Indies license a fully produced song for $25.
$25 dollars. That's $3.13 an hour. I hate to break this to you, but you could make more working backline at McDonalds.
There are those that say, "Hey it weeds out the chaff so that the experienced musicians can have more opportunity". There are those who say that "you'll make up for it in exposure". There are those who say that "it's just a hobby anyway, I don't expect to make any money".
Let's take a look at each of these, one by one.
- It weeds out the inexperienced and makes more opportunity for others.
That would be awesome, except that it also trains the potential licensee to think that if one person can do it for so little then we all can. I've also actually seen licensees state that "it's only going to be an hour long, you can do it for under $50". I mean, anyone with any experience knows how much time goes into creating 1 hour of finished audio, and I would hope my time is worth more than that.
- You'll make up for it in Exposure.
What does that mean? How many commercials or TV shows (MTV and VH1 excepted)do you see songwriting credits on, I mean unless you want to count the quick rolling, micro print credits at the end of a TV show, that have just gotten shorter over the years. How exactly does that give you "Exposure"? I've actually seen people say "you could promote it on your website". Yep. You give the show/commercial free advertisement and still only reach your mailing list.
- It's just a hobby, I don't expect to make money anyway.
The problem with this attitude is that it's harmful to other Indies. In fact this is the most harmful attitude. It's a case of the bitterness of a few being employed to bring down the rest. If you only consider yourself as a hobbyist, why are you dabbling in areas where people are trying to make their livings? To make a little side money? See the McDonalds reference above.
This brings us back to the mindset of feeling that what we do doesn't have value. If music didn't have value companies wouldn't be searching for it for their adds. If music didn't have value, that kid at the guitar store wouldn't shell out $15 for a Nirvana Tab Book. If music didn't have value, you wouldn't drop $7 to sit in a smokey club and have your eardrums battered every Friday and Saturday night.
It is possible to make a living at music, but we have to value what we do.
What is your time worth?
What is your soul worth?
Later,
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Do you treat it like a business?
Hey Heroes! It's Wednesday again! I hope you're all having a wonderful week.
I'm all about the quotes these last few weeks, so let me share this one with you. It comes from John Assaraf, author of "The Answer".
"If you treat your business like a business it will pay you like a business, if you treat your business like a hobby it will cost you like a hobby."
Now, I honestly can't remember if I've used this quote before or not, but if I have, it's still worth repeating.
This is the point where the Pro gets separated from the Amateur. This is where WE have to decide if we're in music to make a living, or if we buy into the "Weekend Warrior" ideal. So, what's it gonna be?
Music is supposed to be fun, but I guarantee there isn't a successful band on the planet that doesn't look at the business side of their Art with as much respect as the fun parts. If there are, they won't have any long term success. I've seen it happen. I've been in those bands. Too much time partying, not enough time working out songwriter shares, or funds distribution, or..............
So, how do we strike that balance of Business/Casual? For myself, it really helps to set a daily schedule. I have hours. I have a start time, a lunch time, and a quitting time for my business day. I split the day in half. The first half is the business end (licensing, registrations, web work, email,etc.), the second half is for writing, recording, and rehearsing.
The point is that, showing up and treating it as a work day creates a structure that helps me to take it more seriously and to look for the kinds of opportunities that will grow my Art into a successful business. It also allows me to focus my efforts and accomplish more.
So, do you treat your Art like a business?
I'm all about the quotes these last few weeks, so let me share this one with you. It comes from John Assaraf, author of "The Answer".
"If you treat your business like a business it will pay you like a business, if you treat your business like a hobby it will cost you like a hobby."
Now, I honestly can't remember if I've used this quote before or not, but if I have, it's still worth repeating.
This is the point where the Pro gets separated from the Amateur. This is where WE have to decide if we're in music to make a living, or if we buy into the "Weekend Warrior" ideal. So, what's it gonna be?
Music is supposed to be fun, but I guarantee there isn't a successful band on the planet that doesn't look at the business side of their Art with as much respect as the fun parts. If there are, they won't have any long term success. I've seen it happen. I've been in those bands. Too much time partying, not enough time working out songwriter shares, or funds distribution, or..............
So, how do we strike that balance of Business/Casual? For myself, it really helps to set a daily schedule. I have hours. I have a start time, a lunch time, and a quitting time for my business day. I split the day in half. The first half is the business end (licensing, registrations, web work, email,etc.), the second half is for writing, recording, and rehearsing.
The point is that, showing up and treating it as a work day creates a structure that helps me to take it more seriously and to look for the kinds of opportunities that will grow my Art into a successful business. It also allows me to focus my efforts and accomplish more.
So, do you treat your Art like a business?
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Beginner's Mind and the Musician
Hey Heroes! Happy Wednesday!
I was doing some reading this week and came up with a little quote that really spoke to me.
"In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's there are few" - Shunryu Suzuki
Kind of backwards from what's taught here in America, huh? I mean, we're always taught that there are no possibilities open to us till we've built seniority, paid our dues, put in the hours, or gotten our degree. That's just the way it is right?
Right?
I think what Suzuki-roshi was saying is that, when we feel that we have become "expert" in something, we close our minds to possibilities outside of our "expertise". The more we know, the less we see, kind of thing.
That got me to thinking. I know, dangerous isn't it? But, what if there's some truth to that. What if we close ourselves to options as we progress? In his book (Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind), Suzuki-roshi is talking about a concept known as Beginner's Mind, approaching each day with the open wonder of the beginner.
Do you remember when you first heard a tune? You know, way back in the day! As I reflected on Suzuki-roshi's words I came to the realization that the darkest times in my musical life have been when my desire to excel in a certain area kept me from exploring everything that music has to offer. Those times when I locked myself into a style and wouldn't open the door to anything that didn't come stamped with the Punk Rock Seal of Approval.
My challenge to myself, and to you too should you choose to accept it, is to try to approach each and every day with the wonderment of the Beginner's Mind, and keep myself open to all the possibilities that Music has to offer. We may just come across that ideal sound we've been searching for, or that perfect marketing plan that no one else has thought of. We may even find that, in diversity and openness, our true path to Independence and musical freedom opens before us like a super highway.
Later,
I was doing some reading this week and came up with a little quote that really spoke to me.
"In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's there are few" - Shunryu Suzuki
Kind of backwards from what's taught here in America, huh? I mean, we're always taught that there are no possibilities open to us till we've built seniority, paid our dues, put in the hours, or gotten our degree. That's just the way it is right?
Right?
I think what Suzuki-roshi was saying is that, when we feel that we have become "expert" in something, we close our minds to possibilities outside of our "expertise". The more we know, the less we see, kind of thing.
That got me to thinking. I know, dangerous isn't it? But, what if there's some truth to that. What if we close ourselves to options as we progress? In his book (Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind), Suzuki-roshi is talking about a concept known as Beginner's Mind, approaching each day with the open wonder of the beginner.
Do you remember when you first heard a tune? You know, way back in the day! As I reflected on Suzuki-roshi's words I came to the realization that the darkest times in my musical life have been when my desire to excel in a certain area kept me from exploring everything that music has to offer. Those times when I locked myself into a style and wouldn't open the door to anything that didn't come stamped with the Punk Rock Seal of Approval.
My challenge to myself, and to you too should you choose to accept it, is to try to approach each and every day with the wonderment of the Beginner's Mind, and keep myself open to all the possibilities that Music has to offer. We may just come across that ideal sound we've been searching for, or that perfect marketing plan that no one else has thought of. We may even find that, in diversity and openness, our true path to Independence and musical freedom opens before us like a super highway.
Later,
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Celebrate your Indie-pendence!
Cheesy? Yeah, probably, but who cares. The fact is that you can't be extraordinary if you're normal. That's right, average people are average. Does that hurt your feelings or does it make you want to look at what makes you, you, and revel in it?
To really stand apart in this world you can't blend in with the pack, you have to have something about you that draws the attention of the average joe, to make them want to know more about you. To make them want to delve into anything you do, just to find a little glimpse of what makes you shine.
A perfect example of this is Michael Jackson. The Dude was different, from a very early age. He stood, head and shoulders, above the crowd from the time he hit the stage. He could sing, he could dance, and he could write. Most importantly though, he had the determination and drive to capitalize on those abilities, and a lack of concern about what the general public thought of him. He dared to be different, and it worked for him.
I just recently read a quote from a fella by the name of James Ray, that said "If you stand 10ft in front of the crowd, you are a leader. If you stand 10 Miles in front of the crowd, you are a target." That's probably a little paraphrased, but I'm going on memory here, cut me some slack. His point is valid though, it's one thing to be a leader, but to be a legend sometimes you have to make yourself a target. You have to draw that attention, and it's not always going to be positive because, let's face it, people like to tear down those they don't understand.
One thing that you'll find in the history of any "Legend", is that they were independent spirits. That's right, they marched to the beat of their own drum, they followed their gut instinct instead of the latest trend. They created markets for their art, they struck their own path in the wilds of Pop Culture and found that their path was the straight line between point A and point B. They reveled in their independence.
As Indies, we have the luxury of not having a label exec standing over our shoulder telling us how to write, how to stand, how to dress.............but, that means that if falls squarely on our own shoulders to make sure that we conduct ourselves in a manner that is going to intrigue, and attract the numbers and types of people that we need to help elevate us to the place we want to be. Art is not a game of chance, it's a game of strategy. We need to celebrate our Indie-pendence and put it to work for us.
To really stand apart in this world you can't blend in with the pack, you have to have something about you that draws the attention of the average joe, to make them want to know more about you. To make them want to delve into anything you do, just to find a little glimpse of what makes you shine.
A perfect example of this is Michael Jackson. The Dude was different, from a very early age. He stood, head and shoulders, above the crowd from the time he hit the stage. He could sing, he could dance, and he could write. Most importantly though, he had the determination and drive to capitalize on those abilities, and a lack of concern about what the general public thought of him. He dared to be different, and it worked for him.
I just recently read a quote from a fella by the name of James Ray, that said "If you stand 10ft in front of the crowd, you are a leader. If you stand 10 Miles in front of the crowd, you are a target." That's probably a little paraphrased, but I'm going on memory here, cut me some slack. His point is valid though, it's one thing to be a leader, but to be a legend sometimes you have to make yourself a target. You have to draw that attention, and it's not always going to be positive because, let's face it, people like to tear down those they don't understand.
One thing that you'll find in the history of any "Legend", is that they were independent spirits. That's right, they marched to the beat of their own drum, they followed their gut instinct instead of the latest trend. They created markets for their art, they struck their own path in the wilds of Pop Culture and found that their path was the straight line between point A and point B. They reveled in their independence.
As Indies, we have the luxury of not having a label exec standing over our shoulder telling us how to write, how to stand, how to dress.............but, that means that if falls squarely on our own shoulders to make sure that we conduct ourselves in a manner that is going to intrigue, and attract the numbers and types of people that we need to help elevate us to the place we want to be. Art is not a game of chance, it's a game of strategy. We need to celebrate our Indie-pendence and put it to work for us.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Be Yourself
Hey Heroes,
You know, this last week has been a study in knowing my Self. It's a funny thing that a lot of the time we just run on auto-pilot, just reacting to situations as they arise, rather than shaping the situations that we're in. I know that I'm guilty of that a lot of the time.
Part of really getting on top of ourselves is to really know who we are, what we're willing to do, what we're NOT willing to do, what we'll compromise on, and what we're unmoveable about. To be able to enter any situation with a solid faith in ourselves to be able to handle whatever comes.
This has been a big problem for me in the past. It's a real easy thing, when we're in this state of mind, to feel that the actions of others are meant as a direct slight toward us. It's hard for us to grasp that, as worried about our own interests as we are, everyone else is in the same boat.
By being on top of our game, and having a strong sense of self, we can steer the course of any situation we find ourselves in, and in most cases we can steer it in our benefit.
You know, this last week has been a study in knowing my Self. It's a funny thing that a lot of the time we just run on auto-pilot, just reacting to situations as they arise, rather than shaping the situations that we're in. I know that I'm guilty of that a lot of the time.
Part of really getting on top of ourselves is to really know who we are, what we're willing to do, what we're NOT willing to do, what we'll compromise on, and what we're unmoveable about. To be able to enter any situation with a solid faith in ourselves to be able to handle whatever comes.
This has been a big problem for me in the past. It's a real easy thing, when we're in this state of mind, to feel that the actions of others are meant as a direct slight toward us. It's hard for us to grasp that, as worried about our own interests as we are, everyone else is in the same boat.
By being on top of our game, and having a strong sense of self, we can steer the course of any situation we find ourselves in, and in most cases we can steer it in our benefit.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Use every moment
Hey Heroes,
So, I've talked before about taking every opportunity, and making the best of it. Let's talk a little bit about taking a moment, just every now and then, to evaluate our own progress and make the little tweaks needed to get ourselves steering true.
The greatest thing about having come out of a punk background is the solid need to question everything. Couple that with several years of Buddhist study, and I've also developed a strong need to question even my own motives. Kind of a constant self diagnostic test. What do I really think, and why? Does my answer hold water with me, or have I been fooling myself again? Yep, it happens. A lot, sometimes.
What it comes down to, for me, is the need to evaluate where my activities have lead me and determine if I'm on the road to where I want to go. It takes just a little bit of time each day, and yes, it's another EVERY DAY thing. In case you haven't figured it out yet, all of my solutions are a never ending, every day, necessity.
Take just a minute to really look at your progress. Are you reaping the benefits you expected? Is there one aspect of your plan that's keeping you from achieving your goal, or is the plan even working at all? By doing this daily evaluation it allows you to realize any shortcomings early in the process, and make the changes you need, and it might even save you a lot of wasted time and money. Resources that most of us don't have a lot of.
So, make your plans and check on them often, make changes as needed and save yourself time and money. I like it.
So, I've talked before about taking every opportunity, and making the best of it. Let's talk a little bit about taking a moment, just every now and then, to evaluate our own progress and make the little tweaks needed to get ourselves steering true.
The greatest thing about having come out of a punk background is the solid need to question everything. Couple that with several years of Buddhist study, and I've also developed a strong need to question even my own motives. Kind of a constant self diagnostic test. What do I really think, and why? Does my answer hold water with me, or have I been fooling myself again? Yep, it happens. A lot, sometimes.
What it comes down to, for me, is the need to evaluate where my activities have lead me and determine if I'm on the road to where I want to go. It takes just a little bit of time each day, and yes, it's another EVERY DAY thing. In case you haven't figured it out yet, all of my solutions are a never ending, every day, necessity.
Take just a minute to really look at your progress. Are you reaping the benefits you expected? Is there one aspect of your plan that's keeping you from achieving your goal, or is the plan even working at all? By doing this daily evaluation it allows you to realize any shortcomings early in the process, and make the changes you need, and it might even save you a lot of wasted time and money. Resources that most of us don't have a lot of.
So, make your plans and check on them often, make changes as needed and save yourself time and money. I like it.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Stand out!
Hey Heroes!
Do you ever get the feeling that you're drowning in a sea of competition? I mean, there are millions of bands all over the US, all looking for recognition from the same finite grouping of reviewers, and magazines, and websites........right?
What do you do to make yourself stand out? In what way do you ensure that your band isn't just another white t-shirt an ocean of white t-shirts? How do you plan to avoid the feeding frenzy and make yourself stand alone?
I'm pretty sure just following the established way of doing things isn't going to do it. I talked with a guy the other day who told me the way an Indie tour should be set up and carried out. The unfortunate thing is that this same guy was also telling me how he just didn't want to do it anymore because it doesn't work. Hmmm......imagine that.
So, what are you willing to do to stamp your tag on the world? Are you just going to do the spray and pray tactic of finding fans, or are you going to really nail down who your ideal fan is and target market, directly to them? Do you even know who your ideal fan is?
Why should you care? In music, isn't the idea to sell your music to whoever likes it? Yep, but I bet if you took a long hard look, you'd find that the biggest portion of your followers fit into an age/gender demographic, at the very least. You could even go further and pick out lifestyle characteristics, favorite haunts, favorite foods, movies..........get the picture?
It's time to get smart about it. Think of it as a race. Think of it as a game. Think of it however you need to think about it to make sure that you stay motivated and THINKING when it's time to market your music. Oh, and don't think you're too good to market your music. That bullshit about "build it and they will come" is just that, bullshit. They won't come unless they know about it, and a little bulletin on your Myspace page isn't going to cut it. Hell, the old flier on the light pole trick does a better job.
Figure out who your ideal fan is, find out where they are, and make yourself interesting to them, but don't hound them! Converse with them, get to know them, make friends with them.
It doesn't have to take that much time either.....................................
Do you ever get the feeling that you're drowning in a sea of competition? I mean, there are millions of bands all over the US, all looking for recognition from the same finite grouping of reviewers, and magazines, and websites........right?
What do you do to make yourself stand out? In what way do you ensure that your band isn't just another white t-shirt an ocean of white t-shirts? How do you plan to avoid the feeding frenzy and make yourself stand alone?
I'm pretty sure just following the established way of doing things isn't going to do it. I talked with a guy the other day who told me the way an Indie tour should be set up and carried out. The unfortunate thing is that this same guy was also telling me how he just didn't want to do it anymore because it doesn't work. Hmmm......imagine that.
So, what are you willing to do to stamp your tag on the world? Are you just going to do the spray and pray tactic of finding fans, or are you going to really nail down who your ideal fan is and target market, directly to them? Do you even know who your ideal fan is?
Why should you care? In music, isn't the idea to sell your music to whoever likes it? Yep, but I bet if you took a long hard look, you'd find that the biggest portion of your followers fit into an age/gender demographic, at the very least. You could even go further and pick out lifestyle characteristics, favorite haunts, favorite foods, movies..........get the picture?
It's time to get smart about it. Think of it as a race. Think of it as a game. Think of it however you need to think about it to make sure that you stay motivated and THINKING when it's time to market your music. Oh, and don't think you're too good to market your music. That bullshit about "build it and they will come" is just that, bullshit. They won't come unless they know about it, and a little bulletin on your Myspace page isn't going to cut it. Hell, the old flier on the light pole trick does a better job.
Figure out who your ideal fan is, find out where they are, and make yourself interesting to them, but don't hound them! Converse with them, get to know them, make friends with them.
It doesn't have to take that much time either.....................................
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
What IS Freedom anyway?
Hey Heroes,
There's been this thought running through my head over the last few days, and today I got another reminder of it and I thought I'd share.
The original quote that I'd heard is "Be free of the good opinion of others", and I heard it in a seminar given by Dr. Wayne Dyer. The meaning behind it is to not be concerned about what other people think. Live your life to your expectations and don't get caught up in the opinions of your critics. This is especially important for us sensitive, artistic types. : )
Today, I watched a great piece (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1314973523&ref=profile#/video/video.php?v=82764303769&ref=mf) by a fantastic artist named Kirk Nugent, and in it he has a line that goes something like "Someone else's opinion of you is none of your business". What a great thought!
Now tell me, is there really anything more freeing than that?
Someone else's opinion of you is none of your business.
Who cares if the critics, reviewers, the boss at the day job, or your Dad don't like what you do? As long as you love it with a passion, it will come across that way to the people who listen to it.
That is success right there, and that is Freedom. So find your Freedom, find your peace, and use your gifts to make the world a better place.
Later,
There's been this thought running through my head over the last few days, and today I got another reminder of it and I thought I'd share.
The original quote that I'd heard is "Be free of the good opinion of others", and I heard it in a seminar given by Dr. Wayne Dyer. The meaning behind it is to not be concerned about what other people think. Live your life to your expectations and don't get caught up in the opinions of your critics. This is especially important for us sensitive, artistic types. : )
Today, I watched a great piece (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1314973523&ref=profile#/video/video.php?v=82764303769&ref=mf) by a fantastic artist named Kirk Nugent, and in it he has a line that goes something like "Someone else's opinion of you is none of your business". What a great thought!
Now tell me, is there really anything more freeing than that?
Someone else's opinion of you is none of your business.
Who cares if the critics, reviewers, the boss at the day job, or your Dad don't like what you do? As long as you love it with a passion, it will come across that way to the people who listen to it.
That is success right there, and that is Freedom. So find your Freedom, find your peace, and use your gifts to make the world a better place.
Later,
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Cause ya gotta have Faith
Hey Heroes, sorry for the delay on getting this one out to you all.
This time around I promised to talk about finding our faith in who we are and what we do. This is the hardest part for me, and may have lead to dragging my feet about making this post, only slightly less important than having faith in oneself, is having personal responsibility, and I promised. : )
So, how do we find the faith within ourselves that may not have been instilled in us growing up?
How do we overcome the lack of faith that may have been instilled in us as we were growing up?
Well, the fact is that many people turn to religion, some feeling that that is the only way to find TRUE faith, and others just because it's easier for them to let go to a concept like God than to face their inner power. I would argue that the inner power that most of us have a hard time facing is, in fact, God. It's just easier to put it all on the Great Bearded One In The Sky, than it is to accept that we have all the power of God right inside of us. I'm not going to go any further on this course though, because we all have differing ideals about God and Religion and all that stuff, and to be honest, I think we all should find whatever path takes us to the place were we feel the utmost faith that we can do anything.
The fact is that Faith is nothing more than the knowledge that things will be just as we feel they will be. 100% Guaranteed. No doubts.
The processes I've talked about the last few posts can all help get you there. Visualize where you want to be. Attract into your life the things needed to accomplish it. Act on those things when they manifest themselves. Be grateful to God, The Universe, and Yourself for making it happen. Don't forget Yourself. Opportunity shows up every day, in every way, but if you don't make the conscious decision to look for it, it will go on to the next person who may well be looking for it. Think I'm wrong? OK, but how many of you have seen someone else capitalize on an idea that had crossed your mind last year and you just let it go because it would cost too much, or it would take too much time, or, or, or? Yeah, we've all had those moments. Those moments when we didn't have enough Faith in ourselves to be the success that we want to be.
By visualizing the things we want, and affirming to ourselves daily, that we can have them, we can make big things happen in our lives. I'm here to tell you though, it's a never ending process. You can't do it once and expect it to work. You can't get to the point of feeling "oh, I've got this", because the moment you let it go, it goes. It has to be a daily process. But, I'm also going to tell you that by keeping up these processes, you're building yourself, and your Faith in yourself, and a person who believes in themselves is unstoppable.
Do you want to be unstoppable? I know I do.
This time around I promised to talk about finding our faith in who we are and what we do. This is the hardest part for me, and may have lead to dragging my feet about making this post, only slightly less important than having faith in oneself, is having personal responsibility, and I promised. : )
So, how do we find the faith within ourselves that may not have been instilled in us growing up?
How do we overcome the lack of faith that may have been instilled in us as we were growing up?
Well, the fact is that many people turn to religion, some feeling that that is the only way to find TRUE faith, and others just because it's easier for them to let go to a concept like God than to face their inner power. I would argue that the inner power that most of us have a hard time facing is, in fact, God. It's just easier to put it all on the Great Bearded One In The Sky, than it is to accept that we have all the power of God right inside of us. I'm not going to go any further on this course though, because we all have differing ideals about God and Religion and all that stuff, and to be honest, I think we all should find whatever path takes us to the place were we feel the utmost faith that we can do anything.
The fact is that Faith is nothing more than the knowledge that things will be just as we feel they will be. 100% Guaranteed. No doubts.
The processes I've talked about the last few posts can all help get you there. Visualize where you want to be. Attract into your life the things needed to accomplish it. Act on those things when they manifest themselves. Be grateful to God, The Universe, and Yourself for making it happen. Don't forget Yourself. Opportunity shows up every day, in every way, but if you don't make the conscious decision to look for it, it will go on to the next person who may well be looking for it. Think I'm wrong? OK, but how many of you have seen someone else capitalize on an idea that had crossed your mind last year and you just let it go because it would cost too much, or it would take too much time, or, or, or? Yeah, we've all had those moments. Those moments when we didn't have enough Faith in ourselves to be the success that we want to be.
By visualizing the things we want, and affirming to ourselves daily, that we can have them, we can make big things happen in our lives. I'm here to tell you though, it's a never ending process. You can't do it once and expect it to work. You can't get to the point of feeling "oh, I've got this", because the moment you let it go, it goes. It has to be a daily process. But, I'm also going to tell you that by keeping up these processes, you're building yourself, and your Faith in yourself, and a person who believes in themselves is unstoppable.
Do you want to be unstoppable? I know I do.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Fake It Till You Make It!
Hey Heroes,
So, we've been through how our environment impacts our mindset. We've decided to change our minds about how we're going to look at our situations. I think it's time to talk about a couple of great tactics to help us hit the mental "Reset" button so we can get on with achieving our dreams.
So, we've been through how our environment impacts our mindset. We've decided to change our minds about how we're going to look at our situations. I think it's time to talk about a couple of great tactics to help us hit the mental "Reset" button so we can get on with achieving our dreams.
"One may conquer a million men in a single battle; However, the greatest and best warrior conquers himself. Conquest of one's self is the greatest victory of all." - Buddha
One thing that we have to look forward to, every day, is a fight. Yep, and epic struggle with ourselves. We are the only thing in this world that can stand in our way.
Every morning our mind tells us that we have to go to work and listen to that co-worker who's hell-bent on pointing out how we're a "lifer" with the company and we'll never take the step into the world of our dreams. Every morning our mind tells us that it's no use getting started right off, we've got an appointment in a couple of hours. Every morning our mind tells us that our back hurts a bit too much to carry that amp into the practice space. Every morning our mind tells us that no one likes our music anyway, so why make more of it? Do you know what? Our mind is absolutely right. If we listen to it.
What we're doing is rationalizing to ourselves. As one of my mentors, John Assaraf, is fond of saying, we are telling ourselves "Rational Lies". These things are only true if we accept them, because we are capable dismissing those thoughts and creating the reality that we want.
Here's where you throw out that "Bullshit!" again, and you're right. That is, unless you can convince yourself otherwise, because these tactics will never work if you don't give them an honest chance.
Our beliefs are nothing more than an established series of neural pathways in our brains that are used to firing in a certain way, but the cool thing about it is that we know that our beliefs are learned traits. Yep, that means that we can learn new beliefs, and replace the old ones. Sounds simple doesn't it. I'm not going to lie to you. It's not. In fact it's one of the hardest things I've done in my life, and it's an every....day....process.
Step one. Affirmations. Yep, there's that Stuart Smalley image coming into your head again! I can assure you that if you give this a chance you'll be amazed at how well it works, but be warned, it does take time. I think I was told that it actually takes 90 days of daily affirmation before you've created a solid, new belief. Yep, three months. This is what I call the "Fake-it till you make it" phase.
Affirmations are nothing but a series of statements that you would like to hold as beliefs. Every morning find a nice quiet place and read these, out loud to yourself, then repeat before bed. If you're really adventurous, record them in your own voice and listen to them while you work out, or drive to work, or sit in the park watching the ducks, or whatever. The point is that you need to tell yourself these things until you believe them. At first it's going to seem like you're lying to yourself, and guess what! You are!! So what? Within a few days to a week, I've found that I start asking myself, why not? Why can't I have these things? That leads to the certainty that you, in fact, can have the things in life that you want, but how?
Step two. Visualization. Yep, like I talked about last week, visualize yourself doing the things you would do if your dreams were realized. If it's playing a certain venue, close your eyes and picture yourself looking out over a sold out crowd. Visualize yourself playing your music and seeing the crowd go crazy. Use this technique after your affirmations, in the morning, and again at night.
Step three. Meditation. Despite my Buddha quote up above, I'm not advocating any religious practice here. Meditation is nothing more that clearing your mind and allowing your energy to flow. Hell, you should be doing this to facilitate songwriting anyway. Simply close your eyes and clear your mind. Pay attention to your breath. If any thoughts come up, and they will, just gently put them aside and go back to following your breath. 15 minutes to half an hour a day.
The three of these things combined will help you see that you are worthy of the things you want in life and open you up to seeing the opportunities to make those things a reality.
Try it a while and see what it does for you. If you stick with it and don't talk yourself out of it, you'll be amazed at what it can do for you.
Here's some suggested reading if you want to dive a little deeper into HOW it all works:
The Answer - John Assaraf and Murry Smith
The Success Principles - Jack Canfield
The War of Art - Steven Pressfield
Later,
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
The Six Letter, Four Letter Word
Hey Heroes!
This week let's take a look at "Change", and what it really means.
Last week we looked at some of the negative influences that pushed us into our current mindsets and I issued a little bit of homework. Did you really look at what you consider "Success" to be?
The first step of course is to figure out what success is to you. Some Indies I've talked with are happy if they get a decent cut of the door and have a floor to crash on before heading out to the next gig. Some still see that multi-Million dollar contract with a Major Label, complete with the private jets and diamond watches. Then there is, of course, everything in between.
What if I told you that any of it could be achieved? What if I told you that you were the only thing stopping you from achieving anything you want?
I know that some folks would say that I'm delusional. OK. One thing I know for a fact though is that everything that I have ever truly wanted, and refused to let anything or anyone interfere with, has happened. If you have in your head that the best you'll ever do is drag ass from club date to club date for a low guarantee and maybe a meal, then my friend, that is all you'll ever accomplish.
The other side of it's true as well. The Major Labels are full of acts that, talent wise, are nowhere near the caliber of a lot of Indie bands I've seen, but they got exactly where they were going, because they believed that they could and refused to hear anything to the contrary. Think I'm full of shit? OK. Take a look at the next MTV music awards though and tell me how much true talent you see there. What you're seeing isn't the best that music has to offer, what you're seeing are the ones that were the most driven to succeed.
What I'm saying is that only you have the ability to dream your dreams. Only you have the power to achieve those dreams. In contrast, only YOU have the power to kill those dreams, it's up to you.
In Quantum Physics there are two Laws that apply themselves to this situation.
First is the Law Of Relativity. The Law Of Relativity says that your situation is only what it is, as compared to something else. Meaning that, you are only poor as compared to that guy that has thousands of dollars in his account, and likewise, you are rich compared to the guy whose sleeping in a cardboard box under the overpass. Remember this when you're evaluating your situation. Too often we only look at how bad off we are and seldom do we look at our successes.
Second is the Law Of Attraction. The Law Of Attraction says that what you think about most you attract to yourself. This means that if you worry about your money problems, you're attracting more money problems. Likewise, if you're focused in on, and constantly visualizing the success you want, you will start attracting that success to you.
I know, this is where you check out and say "what a bunch of airy-fairy bullshit!". I hear ya, just hear me out.
Let me explain how this works. Have you ever focused on something so hard that you realize that that object suddenly appears everywhere? Example. You've always wanted a goldtop Les Paul. You think about them every day. You can see yourself on stage wailing away on one. It's your greatest goal and your biggest dream. Have you noticed that they keep popping up at shows, in magazines, hanging on the wall at the pawn shop or guitar store you run into a couple of times a week looking? It's not that they've become more plentiful, it's that by focusing so much on them you've retrained your subconscious mind to seek them out.
It works that way for anything, so use it to your advantage. Get a clear mental picture of where you want to go in your musical career. Picture it down to the shirt on your back and sweat on your nose. Hold that image. Visualize it. Love it. Let it go. Don't think about it, just wait for the opportunities to get you heading in the right direction to start appearing and take advantage of them. Repeat the process every morning.
Most importantly, be clear about what you want, and don't let anyone tell you it can't be done. Once you let doubt in, you've got to regroup and get back on track.
It's all on you. It's you're responsibility. Only you can decide to change your mind.
This week let's take a look at "Change", and what it really means.
Last week we looked at some of the negative influences that pushed us into our current mindsets and I issued a little bit of homework. Did you really look at what you consider "Success" to be?
The first step of course is to figure out what success is to you. Some Indies I've talked with are happy if they get a decent cut of the door and have a floor to crash on before heading out to the next gig. Some still see that multi-Million dollar contract with a Major Label, complete with the private jets and diamond watches. Then there is, of course, everything in between.
What if I told you that any of it could be achieved? What if I told you that you were the only thing stopping you from achieving anything you want?
I know that some folks would say that I'm delusional. OK. One thing I know for a fact though is that everything that I have ever truly wanted, and refused to let anything or anyone interfere with, has happened. If you have in your head that the best you'll ever do is drag ass from club date to club date for a low guarantee and maybe a meal, then my friend, that is all you'll ever accomplish.
The other side of it's true as well. The Major Labels are full of acts that, talent wise, are nowhere near the caliber of a lot of Indie bands I've seen, but they got exactly where they were going, because they believed that they could and refused to hear anything to the contrary. Think I'm full of shit? OK. Take a look at the next MTV music awards though and tell me how much true talent you see there. What you're seeing isn't the best that music has to offer, what you're seeing are the ones that were the most driven to succeed.
What I'm saying is that only you have the ability to dream your dreams. Only you have the power to achieve those dreams. In contrast, only YOU have the power to kill those dreams, it's up to you.
In Quantum Physics there are two Laws that apply themselves to this situation.
First is the Law Of Relativity. The Law Of Relativity says that your situation is only what it is, as compared to something else. Meaning that, you are only poor as compared to that guy that has thousands of dollars in his account, and likewise, you are rich compared to the guy whose sleeping in a cardboard box under the overpass. Remember this when you're evaluating your situation. Too often we only look at how bad off we are and seldom do we look at our successes.
Second is the Law Of Attraction. The Law Of Attraction says that what you think about most you attract to yourself. This means that if you worry about your money problems, you're attracting more money problems. Likewise, if you're focused in on, and constantly visualizing the success you want, you will start attracting that success to you.
I know, this is where you check out and say "what a bunch of airy-fairy bullshit!". I hear ya, just hear me out.
Let me explain how this works. Have you ever focused on something so hard that you realize that that object suddenly appears everywhere? Example. You've always wanted a goldtop Les Paul. You think about them every day. You can see yourself on stage wailing away on one. It's your greatest goal and your biggest dream. Have you noticed that they keep popping up at shows, in magazines, hanging on the wall at the pawn shop or guitar store you run into a couple of times a week looking? It's not that they've become more plentiful, it's that by focusing so much on them you've retrained your subconscious mind to seek them out.
It works that way for anything, so use it to your advantage. Get a clear mental picture of where you want to go in your musical career. Picture it down to the shirt on your back and sweat on your nose. Hold that image. Visualize it. Love it. Let it go. Don't think about it, just wait for the opportunities to get you heading in the right direction to start appearing and take advantage of them. Repeat the process every morning.
Most importantly, be clear about what you want, and don't let anyone tell you it can't be done. Once you let doubt in, you've got to regroup and get back on track.
It's all on you. It's you're responsibility. Only you can decide to change your mind.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
The Effects of Negative Input
Hey all,
As I said last week, my topic for today is the negative input that we are subjected to on a daily basis.
It's my contention that from a young age we are inundated with negativity. In fact, it's become a Social norm and I don't really think that anyone thinks anything of it. The reason for that is that it's super easy to rationalize the tactic as a benefit. Let me explain what I mean by that.
Parents feel that it's their responsibility to shield us from the hurtful things in life. It's instilled in all of us that our children are the most important things in our lives and must be protected. It's mandated by Society and Church, and it upheld by the Law, but it's also a broad and sweeping demand of people who really have no idea of what it truly means. One of my favorite sayings is "Babies don't come with instructions!", and it's true. This leads most parents to rely on the example their parents set, whether right or wrong.
When you decided to be a musician, were you encouraged to run with it and be the best you could be? Were you, like me, discouraged, or encouraged to "make sure you have a back up plan, because you really can't make a living being a musician"? I think the answer is pretty telling seeing the relative small numbers of "Successful" musicians in the world as compared to the number of bands beating themselves up in small clubs and bars every night for free drinks and cut of the door. But Mom and Dad did their job, they planted that seed in your subconscious that said "I'm going to have to have a back-up plan, because I'm not going to be able to support myself with music alone". Did they mean to? I'd say in most cases, no. Most parents truly do want what is best for their kids and don't realize the harm they're causing.
Parents aren't the only well meaning negative influences though. Our friends, our band mates, our teachers, our....................................yeah, you get the point.
So, what does this do to us? Well, I guess that depends on our mindset. Do we have the single-minded determination to pursue our dreams at any cost? Are we willing to find new friends, fire band mates, and limit time spent with family? Are we willing to find tools to help "re-train" the brain into positive and beneficial thinking? Are we really ready to start working for what we want? Or, is that just too much to ask of ourselves?
Take a little bit of time and really challenge what you think about success and see if you're working on negativity or if you're really positive you can make it. Next week I'm going to talk a little bit about making the commitment to changing you're mind about what success means.
Later,
As I said last week, my topic for today is the negative input that we are subjected to on a daily basis.
It's my contention that from a young age we are inundated with negativity. In fact, it's become a Social norm and I don't really think that anyone thinks anything of it. The reason for that is that it's super easy to rationalize the tactic as a benefit. Let me explain what I mean by that.
Parents feel that it's their responsibility to shield us from the hurtful things in life. It's instilled in all of us that our children are the most important things in our lives and must be protected. It's mandated by Society and Church, and it upheld by the Law, but it's also a broad and sweeping demand of people who really have no idea of what it truly means. One of my favorite sayings is "Babies don't come with instructions!", and it's true. This leads most parents to rely on the example their parents set, whether right or wrong.
When you decided to be a musician, were you encouraged to run with it and be the best you could be? Were you, like me, discouraged, or encouraged to "make sure you have a back up plan, because you really can't make a living being a musician"? I think the answer is pretty telling seeing the relative small numbers of "Successful" musicians in the world as compared to the number of bands beating themselves up in small clubs and bars every night for free drinks and cut of the door. But Mom and Dad did their job, they planted that seed in your subconscious that said "I'm going to have to have a back-up plan, because I'm not going to be able to support myself with music alone". Did they mean to? I'd say in most cases, no. Most parents truly do want what is best for their kids and don't realize the harm they're causing.
Parents aren't the only well meaning negative influences though. Our friends, our band mates, our teachers, our....................................yeah, you get the point.
So, what does this do to us? Well, I guess that depends on our mindset. Do we have the single-minded determination to pursue our dreams at any cost? Are we willing to find new friends, fire band mates, and limit time spent with family? Are we willing to find tools to help "re-train" the brain into positive and beneficial thinking? Are we really ready to start working for what we want? Or, is that just too much to ask of ourselves?
Take a little bit of time and really challenge what you think about success and see if you're working on negativity or if you're really positive you can make it. Next week I'm going to talk a little bit about making the commitment to changing you're mind about what success means.
Later,
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
It's a new day!
Hey all!
I've been doing some thinking since my last post and I think that I've nailed down where I want to take this blog.
Something that I've struggled with for years, is Mindset. Being in a solid, positive, motivated, and open mindset, is the key to being able to proceed in life with confidence and certainty, and it's up to us to make sure that we are in that mindset.
Society has become geared to work against us in this process. From an early age we are taught the kinds of limiting beliefs that form the basis of our belief structures.
"We don't have enough money for that."
" Money doesn't grow on trees."
"It's a tough industry, maybe you ought to think about a backup plan. Just in case."
"You can't make any money as a musician!"
Heard any of those? I thought so.
Well, in the next few posts I'm going to talk about some of the tactics and techniques that I'm using to erase and re-record those mental tapes. Maybe they'll help you as well. I hope so anyway. : )
I'm going to call this series "Exploring the Power of Affirmations". Now, before you start fixating on that mental image of Stuart Smalley, the old SNL character, do us both a favor and keep an open mind. This is a technique used by professional musicians and athletes every day.
In the first installment, I want to discuss The Effects of Negative Input.
In part two we'll go over Taking The Step of making the conscious decision to change your beliefs about success.
In part three we'll tackle how to Fake It Till You Make It.
In part four we'll wrap it up with Discovering Your Faith. And no, I'm not going to be breaking out any one's "Good Book" to try and convert you, though I may use some quotes from various religious texts to illustrate that this principle has been used world wide and over the span of history, by some of the greatest people to have ever graced the planet.
So, if you're still with me, join me next week and we'll start exorcising those limiting beliefs so that we can get on with getting on.
Later,
I've been doing some thinking since my last post and I think that I've nailed down where I want to take this blog.
Something that I've struggled with for years, is Mindset. Being in a solid, positive, motivated, and open mindset, is the key to being able to proceed in life with confidence and certainty, and it's up to us to make sure that we are in that mindset.
Society has become geared to work against us in this process. From an early age we are taught the kinds of limiting beliefs that form the basis of our belief structures.
"We don't have enough money for that."
" Money doesn't grow on trees."
"It's a tough industry, maybe you ought to think about a backup plan. Just in case."
"You can't make any money as a musician!"
Heard any of those? I thought so.
Well, in the next few posts I'm going to talk about some of the tactics and techniques that I'm using to erase and re-record those mental tapes. Maybe they'll help you as well. I hope so anyway. : )
I'm going to call this series "Exploring the Power of Affirmations". Now, before you start fixating on that mental image of Stuart Smalley, the old SNL character, do us both a favor and keep an open mind. This is a technique used by professional musicians and athletes every day.
In the first installment, I want to discuss The Effects of Negative Input.
In part two we'll go over Taking The Step of making the conscious decision to change your beliefs about success.
In part three we'll tackle how to Fake It Till You Make It.
In part four we'll wrap it up with Discovering Your Faith. And no, I'm not going to be breaking out any one's "Good Book" to try and convert you, though I may use some quotes from various religious texts to illustrate that this principle has been used world wide and over the span of history, by some of the greatest people to have ever graced the planet.
So, if you're still with me, join me next week and we'll start exorcising those limiting beliefs so that we can get on with getting on.
Later,
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Beware The Undertow!!
It's funny how you can set out with a really great agenda, I don't know, something like just do a weekly update about the state of the music industry and what it means to Indie musicians, maybe. Then you get out in the deep water of it and the undertow just sucks you under and you resurface ten miles down river. I hate swimming.
This week EMI did something. They're still fighting Pirates in some bay in Sweden. Bob Lefsetz is still trying to save face from his thrashing at the hands of Gene Simmons. Metallica, the gods of Thrash Metal and fan abuse, are being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Iggy Pop is getting older while, for some odd reason, Paul McCartney is getting younger. Chris Brown and Rhianna have gotten back together and are singing about it. Diddy continues to be on the right side of awesome. And last, but certainly not least Britney's p&%*y is hanging out. However that happens.
Yep, stuff keeps happening in the music world, but this week only one thing really stood out to me as REALLY cool. The members of Blur reunited for SXSW. How cool is that?
The thing I like about Blur is that every member of that band seems to personify the passion of music making. It exudes from their albums, and you can hear every laugh, every tear, and every bit of tension that took place in the making of it.
That bit of news this week was the branch overhanging the river for me to grab onto and pull myself out of that mess a couple paragraphs back. It was also the mirror to remind me of why it is that I love making music so much.
So, I've been doing some thinking. I really appreciate the feedback that I've gotten from some of you and hope to continue that relationship, but I felt the need to start guiding this blog in the direction of more of a chronicle of the time I spend in the studio making music. After all, isn't that what we're all about? I hope you all continue on with me, but I understand if you decide not to.
Love and Rock n Roll!
Paul
This week EMI did something. They're still fighting Pirates in some bay in Sweden. Bob Lefsetz is still trying to save face from his thrashing at the hands of Gene Simmons. Metallica, the gods of Thrash Metal and fan abuse, are being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Iggy Pop is getting older while, for some odd reason, Paul McCartney is getting younger. Chris Brown and Rhianna have gotten back together and are singing about it. Diddy continues to be on the right side of awesome. And last, but certainly not least Britney's p&%*y is hanging out. However that happens.
Yep, stuff keeps happening in the music world, but this week only one thing really stood out to me as REALLY cool. The members of Blur reunited for SXSW. How cool is that?
The thing I like about Blur is that every member of that band seems to personify the passion of music making. It exudes from their albums, and you can hear every laugh, every tear, and every bit of tension that took place in the making of it.
That bit of news this week was the branch overhanging the river for me to grab onto and pull myself out of that mess a couple paragraphs back. It was also the mirror to remind me of why it is that I love making music so much.
So, I've been doing some thinking. I really appreciate the feedback that I've gotten from some of you and hope to continue that relationship, but I felt the need to start guiding this blog in the direction of more of a chronicle of the time I spend in the studio making music. After all, isn't that what we're all about? I hope you all continue on with me, but I understand if you decide not to.
Love and Rock n Roll!
Paul
Monday, March 9, 2009
Couldn't have said it better myself.
In the end, isn't this really what it's all about?
http://blog.copyrightalliance.org/2009/03/what-copyright-means-to-me/
http://blog.copyrightalliance.org/2009/03/what-copyright-means-to-me/
Ah, the 360 to save the day.
So the Majors have a backup plan, good for them. If I'm getting this right, the plan is to wait until all of their acts are contracted under 360 deals and then they will help force the demise of the CD and fully embrace a free file share market, making all of their revenue.........................whatever.
It's plain and simple. For the time being, it's more lucrative for the Majors to sue the innovators than it is to be the innovators. When it gets to the point where it's more lucrative for them to embrace the innovation, then that's what they plan to do. It's business, they go where the money is.
So, what does all this have to do with us Indies? Probably not much. I mean, we're all free. We have the ability to build our own plan, to embrace whatever technology we choose. We can build an entire following in Second Life if we want. We can tour relentlessly, or we can couple with other media. The fact is that true freedom means that no one can change your mind. So, as long as you have a vision and pursue it to it's fullest, you'll be as much of a success as you want to be.
http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/03/08/big-music-will-surrender-but-not-until-at-least-2011/
Later,
It's plain and simple. For the time being, it's more lucrative for the Majors to sue the innovators than it is to be the innovators. When it gets to the point where it's more lucrative for them to embrace the innovation, then that's what they plan to do. It's business, they go where the money is.
So, what does all this have to do with us Indies? Probably not much. I mean, we're all free. We have the ability to build our own plan, to embrace whatever technology we choose. We can build an entire following in Second Life if we want. We can tour relentlessly, or we can couple with other media. The fact is that true freedom means that no one can change your mind. So, as long as you have a vision and pursue it to it's fullest, you'll be as much of a success as you want to be.
http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/03/08/big-music-will-surrender-but-not-until-at-least-2011/
Later,
Monday, March 2, 2009
The New Standard Bearers
What is the one thing in life that is certain? I mean besides death and taxes. : )
Change. Yep, the one thing that most people fear more than death or taxes, but what if I told you that change was the catalyst for growth?
It's becoming more and more apparent that there's going to be a major meltdown in the music biz, and it's not going to be pretty. The major labels are pursuing a "Growth By Division" strategy and, as much as it pains me to say it, there are quite a few indie labels jumping on that band wagon. The kicker is that they're all sitting around pointing the finger of blame at each other and waxing nostalgic about the good old days of sold out stadiums and multi platinum sales figures.
Now is the time for change.
Now it the time for growth.
Now is the time to take control of your own destiny and create your own music industry.
In the article that I have linked at the bottom here, it goes on about how technology is progressing faster than the PROs can handle. They're not sure how licences should be applied, and by the time things get ironed out the next technology is sitting on their desk and begging that same question, and all the while you have about 20 hands out waiting for their share.
Is that how we want to operate?
I guess that while they all sit around and talk about it, it's going to be up to us to fix it.
Innovators and Risk Takers, now is our chance! While everyone else is locked up in fear, fear of change, let's make the most of it and use it as an opportunity to set the new standards for the future.
http://arstechnica.com/media/news/2009/03/musics-copyright-battle-made-worse-by-the-fear-of-change.ars
Later,
Change. Yep, the one thing that most people fear more than death or taxes, but what if I told you that change was the catalyst for growth?
It's becoming more and more apparent that there's going to be a major meltdown in the music biz, and it's not going to be pretty. The major labels are pursuing a "Growth By Division" strategy and, as much as it pains me to say it, there are quite a few indie labels jumping on that band wagon. The kicker is that they're all sitting around pointing the finger of blame at each other and waxing nostalgic about the good old days of sold out stadiums and multi platinum sales figures.
Now is the time for change.
Now it the time for growth.
Now is the time to take control of your own destiny and create your own music industry.
In the article that I have linked at the bottom here, it goes on about how technology is progressing faster than the PROs can handle. They're not sure how licences should be applied, and by the time things get ironed out the next technology is sitting on their desk and begging that same question, and all the while you have about 20 hands out waiting for their share.
Is that how we want to operate?
I guess that while they all sit around and talk about it, it's going to be up to us to fix it.
Innovators and Risk Takers, now is our chance! While everyone else is locked up in fear, fear of change, let's make the most of it and use it as an opportunity to set the new standards for the future.
http://arstechnica.com/media/news/2009/03/musics-copyright-battle-made-worse-by-the-fear-of-change.ars
Later,
Monday, February 23, 2009
Crack in the foundation, or beginning of a new era?
Here's an interesting idea. The Minister of Education in Norway is wanting to legalize file sharing.
I've been guilty in the past (and still am, a little bit) of being the type of artist that has cringed at the thought of free file sharing. I mean, honestly, as Indie musicians, we really do depend more on music sales to keep our heads above water than the Majors do, and we don't generate near the numbers in live performance revenues.
However, I do have to admit that the whole issue of file sharing does remind me of the old Tape Trade argument from the 80's. Trading tapes then didn't kill the music industry, and sharing files now probably won't either, though the Major Labels (and some Indies for that matter) are going to do their best to alienate their potential customers by fighting them so hard.
I think it's time for a new plan guys. The public has spoken and they want to be able to share music files with each other, and the more we fight against it, the more we'll have to fight against it and let's be honest, do we really want to build a divide between those of us that make music and those that like to listen to it?
I have to admit that, when I find out that people really like my music it makes me happy. I didn't write it to store in my basement. I didn't spend money on duplication to have CDs set on my shelf, or to hand out to friends and family for validation of what I do. I want the world to hear what I have to say and the best, most effective way of spreading the word about my music is to get people excited enough about what I do that they want to call a friend and tell them. Word of mouth, it still works.
Now, lets talk about revenues. How does this REALLY effect our bottom line? This is still a business after all. I, of course, don't have all the answers but I do have a couple of strategies that I feel we should be employing anyway.
First, there are no rules anymore. It's becoming an "every man for himself" kind of industry and the old rules that were set up by the Major labels don't work anymore. That's ok though, because it's not the first time it's happened. Motown is a prime example of building a new plan and running with it, and I highly recommend reading up on Berry Gordy and his empire, it's fascinating.
What new ways can you create value to keep people coming back for more? What new products can you add that will offset monies that may be lacking from music sales? What exciting ideas can you come up with to bring more and more people to your live performances? As my business coach is fond of saying: "If you treat your business like a hobby, it will cost you like a hobby, but if you treat your business like a business, it will pay you like a business." Like I've said before, if you're trying to make a living from making music, you are in business. Get used to it.
Second, take advantage of anyone and everyone who wants to share your music with others. Let them be your Evangelists! You don't have to give everything away for free, but why not treat it a bit like a Radio Single. Make money off of it where you can, but use it to spread the gospel of you!
The fact is we should be looking for any angle to get ahead and to monetize our efforts, but it's only good business to not alienate the customer in the process. We need music listeners. Without them there's no point in making music.
Read more about Norway's plans here:
http://torrentfreak.com/norwegian-minister-wants-to-legalize-file-sharing-090222/
Later,
I've been guilty in the past (and still am, a little bit) of being the type of artist that has cringed at the thought of free file sharing. I mean, honestly, as Indie musicians, we really do depend more on music sales to keep our heads above water than the Majors do, and we don't generate near the numbers in live performance revenues.
However, I do have to admit that the whole issue of file sharing does remind me of the old Tape Trade argument from the 80's. Trading tapes then didn't kill the music industry, and sharing files now probably won't either, though the Major Labels (and some Indies for that matter) are going to do their best to alienate their potential customers by fighting them so hard.
I think it's time for a new plan guys. The public has spoken and they want to be able to share music files with each other, and the more we fight against it, the more we'll have to fight against it and let's be honest, do we really want to build a divide between those of us that make music and those that like to listen to it?
I have to admit that, when I find out that people really like my music it makes me happy. I didn't write it to store in my basement. I didn't spend money on duplication to have CDs set on my shelf, or to hand out to friends and family for validation of what I do. I want the world to hear what I have to say and the best, most effective way of spreading the word about my music is to get people excited enough about what I do that they want to call a friend and tell them. Word of mouth, it still works.
Now, lets talk about revenues. How does this REALLY effect our bottom line? This is still a business after all. I, of course, don't have all the answers but I do have a couple of strategies that I feel we should be employing anyway.
First, there are no rules anymore. It's becoming an "every man for himself" kind of industry and the old rules that were set up by the Major labels don't work anymore. That's ok though, because it's not the first time it's happened. Motown is a prime example of building a new plan and running with it, and I highly recommend reading up on Berry Gordy and his empire, it's fascinating.
What new ways can you create value to keep people coming back for more? What new products can you add that will offset monies that may be lacking from music sales? What exciting ideas can you come up with to bring more and more people to your live performances? As my business coach is fond of saying: "If you treat your business like a hobby, it will cost you like a hobby, but if you treat your business like a business, it will pay you like a business." Like I've said before, if you're trying to make a living from making music, you are in business. Get used to it.
Second, take advantage of anyone and everyone who wants to share your music with others. Let them be your Evangelists! You don't have to give everything away for free, but why not treat it a bit like a Radio Single. Make money off of it where you can, but use it to spread the gospel of you!
The fact is we should be looking for any angle to get ahead and to monetize our efforts, but it's only good business to not alienate the customer in the process. We need music listeners. Without them there's no point in making music.
Read more about Norway's plans here:
http://torrentfreak.com/norwegian-minister-wants-to-legalize-file-sharing-090222/
Later,
Monday, February 9, 2009
And the Grammy Goes to.......................
So, last night was the Grammy awards. Yeah, I'm more than a bit disappointed that Coldplay walked away with the "Song of the Year" award, and I'm still laughing over NARAS president, Neil Portnow, standing up on that stage and blithering on about how NARAS will continue to fight copyright infringement, but on reflection of the situation as a whole I'm disappointed by other things as well.
I understand Satch's lawsuit, I really do, but in the grand scheme of things how much does he really stand to make following that course of action. Don't get me wrong, I'm in no way saying that Coldplay should be able to get away with stealing someone else's work, but are there other ways that Satriani could make even more off of this situation than a lump sum settlement from a long drawn out, and expensive lawsuit. I mean, I can assure you that Coldplay and EMI are going to use all their power to fight this (for right or wrong).
This is the age of the Internet. Information, placed in the right place, at the right time, can travel the world in a matter of hours, and with viral marketing being what it is, with little effort Satch could reach millions of people with his message. What message? Well that depends on how he really wants to play it.
Remember the Dani California situation that the Red Hot Chili Peppers ran into a while back? By Tom Petty making a simple statement about it being the best version of Last Dance with Mary Jane he'd ever heard, he saw a spike in his own sales and public awareness. I'm just saying that I think Satriani has a rare opportunity to really bump up his following and, in the long run, could benefit far more than just a lump sum from litigation. Instead of butt heads with Coldplay fans, court them, friend them, convert them.
The fact is that, in this day and age, the Court of Public Opinion is much more powerful than any other court in the land. Sometimes you can use that fact to make more of an impact than all the money in the world could achieve.
Just a thought.
Later,
I understand Satch's lawsuit, I really do, but in the grand scheme of things how much does he really stand to make following that course of action. Don't get me wrong, I'm in no way saying that Coldplay should be able to get away with stealing someone else's work, but are there other ways that Satriani could make even more off of this situation than a lump sum settlement from a long drawn out, and expensive lawsuit. I mean, I can assure you that Coldplay and EMI are going to use all their power to fight this (for right or wrong).
This is the age of the Internet. Information, placed in the right place, at the right time, can travel the world in a matter of hours, and with viral marketing being what it is, with little effort Satch could reach millions of people with his message. What message? Well that depends on how he really wants to play it.
Remember the Dani California situation that the Red Hot Chili Peppers ran into a while back? By Tom Petty making a simple statement about it being the best version of Last Dance with Mary Jane he'd ever heard, he saw a spike in his own sales and public awareness. I'm just saying that I think Satriani has a rare opportunity to really bump up his following and, in the long run, could benefit far more than just a lump sum from litigation. Instead of butt heads with Coldplay fans, court them, friend them, convert them.
The fact is that, in this day and age, the Court of Public Opinion is much more powerful than any other court in the land. Sometimes you can use that fact to make more of an impact than all the money in the world could achieve.
Just a thought.
Later,
Thursday, February 5, 2009
You got Served! Hopefully.
Let me ask you this. Should it really have to get to this point? The latest on the Joe Satriani v. Coldplay copyright infringement case is that apparently Coldplay has been slinking around trying to avoid being served papers, but good ol'Joe isn't going to let it slide.
He's made it very clear that he's hired an "Army" of process servers to work the Grammy's, with the intent of finally getting those papers in the hands of his adversaries.
You have to admit that it would be awfully sweet if they waited till Chris Martin and the boys were on the podium to accept "Song of the Year" and then rushed the stage in mass. Harsh you say? Not hardly.
I have to say that, as Indie musicians, I feel that our intellectual property is our single greatest product that we offer. It is the foundation of our business plan. It is the flagship of our merch table. It is what makes us who we are, and to have someone else steal your hard work and parade it around the world as their own, and more sickeningly, be nominated for a Grammy for it is just the height of disrespect and elitism.
Coldplay, I'm sure, is just following the advice and direction of their label, EMI, but what does that say about the practices of Major Labels if they are openly advocating the theft of other peoples music. Is it really any wonder that EMI is losing money?
Anyway, I hope that the whole thing erupts into such a big deal that everyone in America sits up and takes notice. We can't make it OK for people to walk all over the Copyright Laws, they're one of the few guarantees we have.
http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/article/coldplay%20to%20get%20served%20at%20the%20grammys_1093915
Later,
He's made it very clear that he's hired an "Army" of process servers to work the Grammy's, with the intent of finally getting those papers in the hands of his adversaries.
You have to admit that it would be awfully sweet if they waited till Chris Martin and the boys were on the podium to accept "Song of the Year" and then rushed the stage in mass. Harsh you say? Not hardly.
I have to say that, as Indie musicians, I feel that our intellectual property is our single greatest product that we offer. It is the foundation of our business plan. It is the flagship of our merch table. It is what makes us who we are, and to have someone else steal your hard work and parade it around the world as their own, and more sickeningly, be nominated for a Grammy for it is just the height of disrespect and elitism.
Coldplay, I'm sure, is just following the advice and direction of their label, EMI, but what does that say about the practices of Major Labels if they are openly advocating the theft of other peoples music. Is it really any wonder that EMI is losing money?
Anyway, I hope that the whole thing erupts into such a big deal that everyone in America sits up and takes notice. We can't make it OK for people to walk all over the Copyright Laws, they're one of the few guarantees we have.
http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/article/coldplay%20to%20get%20served%20at%20the%20grammys_1093915
Later,
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Well how about that!
Right on. My last post about Simmons Records made it to the front page of their website, http://www.simmonsrecords.com/.
Mr. Simmons, it's quite alright that you don't know me, or my accomplishments, and you certainly don't need my advice, but hey, at least you didn't have to pay for it. : )
I do, sincerely, wish you all the luck in the world in your endeavour and do, in fact, admire the empire you've created.
I stand by my assessment of the music industry though. Change is inevitable and those that don't roll with it will be left behind. Now is the time to be on the bleeding edge of innovation and not relying on the "tried and true". When we stop looking forward with an eye to make new paths, we get tangled up in the weeds where we stopped to nap.
Mr. Simmons, it's quite alright that you don't know me, or my accomplishments, and you certainly don't need my advice, but hey, at least you didn't have to pay for it. : )
I do, sincerely, wish you all the luck in the world in your endeavour and do, in fact, admire the empire you've created.
I stand by my assessment of the music industry though. Change is inevitable and those that don't roll with it will be left behind. Now is the time to be on the bleeding edge of innovation and not relying on the "tried and true". When we stop looking forward with an eye to make new paths, we get tangled up in the weeds where we stopped to nap.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Our Savior!! Or Canada's maybe????
So, Gene Simmons from Kiss has decided that he's what the "talented" but neglected Canadian music industry needs, so he's forming Simmons Records.
It appears that, in a serious bid to jump start the ailing music industry, Ol'Gene is fully embracing the standard business plan of the 20th Century record label. Seeing as how the same old tactics and such are garnering such stunted sales in most categories these days, it should work really well for him (/sarcasm).
In all actuality, I wish him luck. He's not a dumb guy, a little set in his ways and unable to cope with a changing musical climate maybe, but not dumb. Maybe he has come up with a plan that the Majors here in America are not willing to try. Maybe he's got a secret weapon that is going to convince millions of music listeners around the world to buy more CDs and stop sharing music files. Maybe he really can take the "superior talent" of Canadian musicians and turn them into the next Beatles (or since they're Canadian, maybe the next Glass Tiger, or Loverboy), or maybe he just plans on trying the same thing again, and again, and again, and expects a different result. I truly hope not.
Mr.Simmons, if you find this, as you appear to be awfully adept at sniffing out criticism, please understand that the game has changed. If you expect to come in and do things the way they have always been done, you are not going to succeed. Use that Entrepreneurial spirit that got you where you are to innovate a new plan and a new path. The Old Road is overtrafficed.
http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/01/27/gene-simmons-starts-canadian-record-label-hates-on-the-doubters/
Later,
It appears that, in a serious bid to jump start the ailing music industry, Ol'Gene is fully embracing the standard business plan of the 20th Century record label. Seeing as how the same old tactics and such are garnering such stunted sales in most categories these days, it should work really well for him (/sarcasm).
In all actuality, I wish him luck. He's not a dumb guy, a little set in his ways and unable to cope with a changing musical climate maybe, but not dumb. Maybe he has come up with a plan that the Majors here in America are not willing to try. Maybe he's got a secret weapon that is going to convince millions of music listeners around the world to buy more CDs and stop sharing music files. Maybe he really can take the "superior talent" of Canadian musicians and turn them into the next Beatles (or since they're Canadian, maybe the next Glass Tiger, or Loverboy), or maybe he just plans on trying the same thing again, and again, and again, and expects a different result. I truly hope not.
Mr.Simmons, if you find this, as you appear to be awfully adept at sniffing out criticism, please understand that the game has changed. If you expect to come in and do things the way they have always been done, you are not going to succeed. Use that Entrepreneurial spirit that got you where you are to innovate a new plan and a new path. The Old Road is overtrafficed.
http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/01/27/gene-simmons-starts-canadian-record-label-hates-on-the-doubters/
Later,
Friday, January 9, 2009
Dealing with the "Change" -------- Music Edition
I'm back!! I hope the New Year is finding everyone well.
I've said it before and I'll say it again. The Music Industry is changing. No way around it, nothing we can, or in my opinion, should do about it. It's going to get bumpy, but it's high time that we, the artists, take back control of our futures.
Gone are the days of the multi-million dollar deals and the diamond encrusted advances. We're in the "Final Days" of an evil empire, and we're witnessing the death throes of an industry unwilling to change with the times.
We have to start taking responsibility for our own successes and failures. We're coming up on a time when we will have to start doing whatever it takes, again, to be heard. We thought it was tough before, but we won't be able to ape the last band to draw a decent crowd and get away with it anymore. We have to develop a plan and be willing to implement it. It never takes as much courage to jump on a trend as it does to speak with your own voice.
We can't deceive ourselves in thinking that it's enough to just be ourselves, though, and we have to get real inventive when it comes to funding our pursuits. Every band does the typical swag. T-shirts, cds, buttons, sticker, blah, blah, blah. The fact is that insanity is doing the same thing over and over and over and over, always expecting a different result, and the truth is that the "typical" has been oversold. There are millions of bands out there trying to get noticed and every one of them is using the "tried and true" formula that every other struggling artist is using. If we continue to emulate the "struggling" what do we expect to achieve? "Necessity is the Mother of Invention" folks, and conventional wisdom dictates if you're not getting the results you want with the process you have, it's time to change.
Here's and interesting approach. (note---this isn't an endorsement, just pointing out that people are looking for alternative means to accomplish their goals)
I wonder how that's working for him.
Later,
I've said it before and I'll say it again. The Music Industry is changing. No way around it, nothing we can, or in my opinion, should do about it. It's going to get bumpy, but it's high time that we, the artists, take back control of our futures.
Gone are the days of the multi-million dollar deals and the diamond encrusted advances. We're in the "Final Days" of an evil empire, and we're witnessing the death throes of an industry unwilling to change with the times.
We have to start taking responsibility for our own successes and failures. We're coming up on a time when we will have to start doing whatever it takes, again, to be heard. We thought it was tough before, but we won't be able to ape the last band to draw a decent crowd and get away with it anymore. We have to develop a plan and be willing to implement it. It never takes as much courage to jump on a trend as it does to speak with your own voice.
We can't deceive ourselves in thinking that it's enough to just be ourselves, though, and we have to get real inventive when it comes to funding our pursuits. Every band does the typical swag. T-shirts, cds, buttons, sticker, blah, blah, blah. The fact is that insanity is doing the same thing over and over and over and over, always expecting a different result, and the truth is that the "typical" has been oversold. There are millions of bands out there trying to get noticed and every one of them is using the "tried and true" formula that every other struggling artist is using. If we continue to emulate the "struggling" what do we expect to achieve? "Necessity is the Mother of Invention" folks, and conventional wisdom dictates if you're not getting the results you want with the process you have, it's time to change.
Here's and interesting approach. (note---this isn't an endorsement, just pointing out that people are looking for alternative means to accomplish their goals)
http://www.thelicensingplate.com/musicians-and-performers-invite-fans-to-invest-in-their-success/
Or you could try the Sebastian Bach approach to protecting his income.
http://www.postchronicle.com/news/original/article_212202294.shtmlI wonder how that's working for him.
Later,
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