Don’t Waste Your Money!

Know how to make a million dollars playing jazz? Start with two million.

We should talk about the truth behind this joke. This is the most invaluable advice, I can give you. Don’t waste your money. As musician you can fall in many traps. This article will give you some examples.

Demos

Heather McDonald suggests: “Before you start sending out your demo, you need to compile a list of labels who might be interested in hearing it. Sending your hip hop demo to an indie rock label is a waste of time and money. What bands do you like? What labels are they on? What labels deal with the kind of music you play? Spend some time online researching artists you consider to be similar to yourself and the labels that work with them. that way, your demo will land in the hands of people who “get” what you’re doing.”

Hundreds of unsolicited demos are sent in every week to record companies, many of which are never listened to. Even the most conscientious A&R person will only listen to the first 20/30 seconds of a song before sending out a rejection letter. Rejection is part of the game. Accept it.

Labels are looking for artists who already have a well developed sound, stage presence, fan base, marketable music, and game plan. They want you to show them that you can produce content on your own, book shows and perform for crowds on your own, manage your fans on your own. They want to see artists using twitter, youtube, and other tools available to them to maximize their reach on their own (Mike Lombardo). So sending demos to a label without initiated contact to the A&R person is just money down the drain.

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Long Beach Jazz Festival August 13-15, 2010

The only Southern California Jazz Festival staged on a gorgeous grassy knoll in a beautiful Lagoon setting. Long Beach Jazz Festival features some of the top artists of the year and includes VIP seating in an incredible outdoor setting with a great selection of food, art and much more. “Jazz”, an experience you will never forget!

This years artists line-up is as incredible as ever. Check out the performers for this years event and get your tickets now. To see more information on the concert, events and artist details go to this website.

See Marcus Johnson Perform At Flo Fest And Enjoy The Wine

This July a grand event is taking place at the Tarara Winery in Leesburg, VA. Everyone is invited to come and enjoy! The sweet sound of Marcus Johnson and other various artists along with the sweet taste of the selection of FLO wines will be available as part of the amazing experience that’s in store for you! Save the Date for FLO FEST!

Stay tuned for the other selection of bands that will be joining us at this classy, but enjoyable event of a lifetime!

Date:	Saturday, July 24, 2010
Time:	12:00pm – 10:00pm
Location:	Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg, VA 20176

Market Your Music Independently

More and more musicians are taking more control over their music. The most common route is for the artist is to build their name organically and build a strong following before they scout for a label that will sign them. Having some sort of presence and recognition provides them a very strong leverage to take more control of their name and music even when the major labels sign them. Some of the success stories are Colbie Caillat and Justin Bieber. These two used youtube as their jump off point. The labels noticed them as the number of views increased. Since they already have a proof that they have the power to bring in the sales, the labels treated them with much more respect.

There are other big bands that were signed to a major label and slowly transitioned to controlling their own music. Linkin Park and Oasis are two of those bands. Linkin Park is signed up with Warner Bros. and has sold more than 50 million albums. Early on, they learned to establish a very strong relationship with their fans using the digital space. They never gave their label the control over their database. WB knows that there are not only now financially equipped to make their own record, they also don’t need to the traditional channel to sell their music. Even their concerts are now being pre-sold. They ask their fans to sign up to a site if they want Linkin Park to perform in their country. If they have enough numbers, then they just look for a promoter that would mount the show.

They have enough confidence in their music and abilities to even allow their fans to listen to their songs before they are released. Yes, they know that a lot of their fans are online and can easily listen to their samples for free. It would be safe to say that majority of computer owners have good speakers. That is why it has become a mandatory for all music lovers out there. If the market likes what they are hearing, they just go ahead and download it. Recently, many artists are also releasing their songs through non-traditional formats like using a USB instead of a CD.

The digital space is really becoming a friend of independent musicians and if the artists are aware on how to capitalize on this, marketing their music and their band will not be so hard. The USB packaging is a good idea as production is cheaper.

Issued by Abel Mens

Graingers, Meritxell, Jaared: A Night of R&B, Jazz, Latin And More

An evening of fabulous R&B, Latin and Jazz music featuring Gary and Greg Grainger, Latin diva Meritxell and saxophonist Jaared! The evening will also include a way hot tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire and the E,W&F protege group, Baltimore’s own Pockets. On the stage will be some of the areas most talented musicians and vocalists who have performed with everyone from George Duke, Nancy Wilson, Luther Ingram, the O’Jays, Chaka Khan, Teddy Pendergrass, The Whispers, Natalie Cole…the list goes on and on.

The evening’s band also includes: Daoud Said, Robert “Wa Wa” LeGrand, Gene McBride, Brian Fox and more.

Light fare and a cash bar available. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at www.charmcityjazz.com, by calling 410.265.1400 or at Best Western Hotel.

Start Time:	Friday, May 28, 2010 at 7:00pm
End Time:	Saturday, May 29, 2010 at 12:00am
Location:	Best Western Hotel
Street:	1800 Belmont Avenue
City/Town:	Baltimore, MD

Ken Navarro Keeps It Comin’ – Tour Schedule 2010

Top charting & award winning contemporary jazz guitarist and composer Ken Navarro is recognized as one of today’s leading musicians. His impressive discography of 19 top charting albums showcase his appeal to a wide range of listeners with inspiring compositions and superb guitar performances.

Ken maintains an active schedule of concert appearances as part of his quartet, the Ken Navarro Group. Highlights of his tour schedule have included appearances at Chene Park in Detroit, Blues Alley in Washington D.C., the World Trade Center site in New York, the Carter Barron Amphitheater in Washington, D.C., Merriweather Post Pavillion in MD, Jacksonville Jazz Fest, Clearwater Jazz Holiday, the Pleasure Island Jazz Fest, the Venetian Festival, the Winter Park Arts Festival, The Thornton Winery, The Spirit Festival in Kansas City and concerts where the group has shared the stage with artists such as Spyro Gyra, Chuck Mangione, Najee, Chris Botti, Eric Marienthal, The Rippingtons, Joe Sample, Jean Luc Ponty, Stanley Clarke/Larry Carlton, George Howard, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Fattburger, Marion Meadows, Keiko Matsui, Nelson Rangell, David Benoit, Alex Bugnon, Boney James and many others.

For his newest tour schedule follow the next link.

Lisa McClowry LIVE!

May 30th – KSBR BASH CONCERT

June 3rd Thursday- The Redhead (Chicago, IL.)

8:00 p.m.- 11:30 p.m. 16 West Ontario, Chicago, IL. (312) 640 -1000 *Proper Dress Required

Lisa performs with singer/pianist Thomas Linsk.

June 4th Friday- The Montross Room – InterContinental Chicago O’Hare 5300 N. River Roa d Rosemont, IL 60018 | 847.544.5300

Jim Peterik, Lisa McClowry, Jack Blades (Night Ranger), Jeff Carlisi (38 Special)

June 7th Monday- The Redhead (Chicago, IL.)

8:00 p.m.- 11:30 p.m.

16 West Ontario, Chicago, IL. (312) 640 -1000 *Proper Dress Required.

Lisa performs with singer/pianist Thomas Linsk.

June 10th Thursday- The Redhead (Chicago, IL.) 8:00 p.m.- 11:30 p.m. 16 West Ontario, Chicago, IL. (312) 640 -1000 *Proper Dress Required.

Lisa performs with singer/pianist Thomas Linsk.

June 11th Fri day- Julian’s Piano Bar (inside Luigi House)

778 N Route 59 Aurora, IL 60504 (630) 375-6400 / 8:00p.m.- 12:00a.m.

Lisa performs with singer/pianist Tom Linsk and drummer Terry Branam.

June 14th Monday- The Redhead (Chicago, IL.) 8:00 p.m.- 11:30 p.m. 16 West Ontario, Chicago, IL. (312) 640 -1000 *Proper Dress Required.

Lisa performs with singer/pianist Thomas Linsk

June 17th Thursday- The Redhead (Chicago, IL.) 8:00 p.m.- 11:30 p.m. 16 West Ontario, Chicago, IL. (312) 640 -1000 *Proper Dress Required.

Lisa performs with singer/pianist Thomas Linsk.

June 18th Fri day- Julian’s Piano Bar (inside Luigi House)

778 N Route 59 Aurora, IL 60504 (630) 375-6400 / 8:00p.m.- 12:00a.m.

Lisa performs with singer/pianist Tom Linsk and drummer Gerry Frank.

June 19th Saturday – Lisa McClowry & Jim Peterik’s Lifeforce at the Napervillle Jazz Fest.

This will be Lisa’s official CD release party for her new CD, “Time Signatures”.

June 21st Monday- The Redhead (Chicago, IL.) 8:00 p.m.- 11:30 p.m. 16 West Ontario, Chicago, IL. (312) 640 -1000 *Proper Dress Required.

Lisa performs with singer/pianist Thomas Linsk.

June 24th Thursday- The Redhead (Chicago, IL.) 8:00 p.m.- 11:30 p.m. 16 West Ontario, Chicago, IL. (312) 640 -1000 *Proper Dress Required.

Lisa performs with singer/pianist Thomas Linsk.

June 25th Fri day- Julian’s Piano Bar (inside Luigi House)

778 N Route 59 Aurora, IL 60504 (630) 375-6400 / 8:00p.m.- 12:00a.m.

Lisa performs with singer/pianist Tom Linsk and drummer Terry Branam.

June 28th Monday- The Redhead (Chicago, IL.) 8:00 p.m.- 11:30 p.m. 16 West Ontario, Chicago, IL. (312) 640 -1000 *Proper Dress Required.

Lisa performs with singer/pianist Thomas Linsk.

New Travel Series To Feature The Biggest Jazz Party In The Nation

On July 5, 2010; a new online travel show series will bring to your doorstep a dynamic blend of music, culture, and style from breathtaking locations. Destination Travel Series will cover the best music-cultural festivals and their amazing locations from around the world. The “brain child” of Global Crest Media Founder, Christi Pemberton, this show caters to the young professional audience who are traveling at growing rates and require unique services that compliment their “lifestyle design” culture. Global Crest Media is a fine entertainment and business lifestyle company producing shows and online content for the 21st century young professional lifestyle.

DOWNTOWN JAZZ PARTY IN THE SUNNY-CHIC SAN DIEGO

On May May 29th, Destination will be “in the thick” of the best west coast jazz party in the nation. Destination’s host Christi Pemberton will be on location to attend and cover the 98.1 Smooth Jazz Gaslamp Festival for Destination’s first episode. San Diego transforms its downtown Gaslamp district into one huge celebration of music in its stylish downtown location. The festival will feature an all-star lineup of 11 of the top musicians in contemporary jazz in the country surrounded by the SoCal lifestyle. National recording artists Steve Cole, Mindi Abair, Nick Colionne, and Kim Waters create the perfect atmosphere of star power, sleek nightlife, and celebration in one perfect sunny destination. The fun does not stop there, Christi Pemberton will have an exclusive interview with popular contemporary jazz saxophonist Steve Cole; considered one of the most celebrated saxophonist in today’s contemporary jazz. In addition, those attending to festival can visit the Global Crest’s arts and entertainment site to enter in the “Meet and Greet” contest to win a chance to meet and take a photograph with Steve Cole and receive an autograph CD.

Destination will premiere the first episode spotlighting the Gaslamp Jazz Festival on the Global Crest site for arts and entertainment, the Diamond Cinema Gallery, on July 5, 2010. Leading up to the May 29th festival, the Diamond Cinema site will have pre-festival coverage with exciting previews, updates, and announcements.

The Destination series offers unique brand promotion opportunities for brands to connect with the show and the young professional demographic. For more information about the Destination Travel Series, the show’s coverage of the Smooth Jazz Gaslamp Festival, and/or brand promotion opportunities; please contact Christi Pemberton at gcrestmedia@gmail.com. Also visit the Diamond Cinema Gallery to see our other fine entertainment shows and the Destination programming.

New Ideas To Sell Your Music

The music business is in transition now. The old model for record labels is changing and it is changing fast. As a result, a lot of the old school record labels are going out of business because they don’t know how to keep up with the changing times.  Have a look at the Wikipedia to observe this development.

What do you do, when your label is going under and you have to struggle to get your masters back?

The best way to protect your music work is register your songs with the library of congress. You should also submit your work to the performing rights organization (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, GEMA) with whom you are affiliated. But what do you do, when your label want to have the copyrights of your music, although you are the owner?

You have paid money to your label for promotion of all kind and your label uses the money to pay the own debts instead of doing their work?

To avoid these issues it’s a good idea to make your own record label. Dave Koz, Rick Braun, Richard Elliot, Dave Gruisin, Chris Standring, Herb Alpert, Russ Freeman and many more had that idea. But most of them sold their label later to the music industry, because you cannot share your spare time leading your own label with your work as musician. What did happen with GRP, Peak Records and more of these labels founded by artists? They merged with greater labels loosing their identity.

So you have to sell your music in other ways. Chris Standring for example made aandronline.com, which stands for Artists and Repertoire Online.  Chris comments: “It is more of a resource for artists to be totally educated about what is happening in the business today. I have written books about the music business and I sell them there.”

Another possibility is to join social networks like Facebook, MySpace, Plaxo to find and collect your fans there.

Another idea is to make a street team. A street team is a family of devoted fans who want to support and see their favorite artist or band succeed. Traditionally, they have hit the streets handing out promotional goods as well as using their own creative ideas to increase the awareness of the band. Some artists like Chris Standring started a special street team program. The idea for that program was described by him in a book especially written for artists.

For more suggestions go to The Adviser. Do you have a new marketing idea for musicians? Share it with us.

2010 KSBR Birthday Bash Jazz Festival- May 30

Saddleback College radio station KSBR (88.5 FM) is partnering with the City of Mission Viejo to host its 21st Birthday Bash celebration at 24932 Veterans Way. The festival, a signature fundraising event for KSBR-FM, will feature more than 40 jazz artists including David Benoit, Hiroshima, Greg Adams, and Evelyn Champagne King.

The annual bash is a 4-hour concert featuring talented contemporary jazz artists in a freewheeling jam session. This year’s lineup includes big stars that will be announced on stage along with famous favorites such as Brian Bromberg, Chieli Minucci, Dan Siegel, Richard Smith, Freddie Fox, Max Bennett, Blake Aaron, Freddie Washington, Steve Reid, and Dean Grech.

Each Bash is a once-in-a-lifetime concert for both the artists and the audience. The music will never happen in exactly the same way again. The roster from previous shows is a virtual “who’s who” of contemporary jazz. Check out the website for the list of past performers. Get your tickets early as this has sold out in the past.

Doors open at 3 p.m., with a special pre-Bash concert by the Saddleback Big Band kicking off a half-hour later. The Bash starts at 5 p.m.

Advance sale ticket prices begin at $45. In recognition of the recent dedication of the Saddleback College Veterans Memorial, veterans and active military personnel may purchase tickets at a $10 discount through the Saddleback College Veterans Office 949- 582-4252. Tickets are available to the public at KSBR.