Ian Rogers from Topspin
“When you have data you have power”
Love this guy. I really dig what Topspin is doing with direct-to-fan marketing.
Wooo back from LA
It’s been a while since I’ve posted. I’ve been way too busy, working on The Promenade EP, Mybandstock, and my lovely consulting/marketing jobs to pay pills.
LA was awesome – I had a great mix of meetings with industry professionals and time in the sun.
I got to meet Jill Sobule, an indie musician who raised 75k from her fan base with really fun perks and contribution levels. She was a total gem and was very enthusiastic towards Mybandstock. Viva La Music Revolution!
I finally got to meet Jennifer Lyneis and Mikiel Houser of UE3 Promotions, which was totally awesome. Jen is consulting a bit with Mybandstock and is going to play a key role in promoting one of our large artists (TBA). They are very very focused on independent artists and brands, so we’re excited to build on a relationship.
Hanging out at Evan Frankfort’s studio (Would Work Sound) is always a blast. He gave me and my girlfriend a taste of one of the new Liz Phair tracks, which featured his dog Hank, among many other “commentators”. It was great fun. He recommended a band called Nico Vega that I listened to. It was totally rocking.
I also went to the “Promenade” in Santa Monica, which was pretty fun… ohhhhhhhhh the irony.
Mybandstock is still looking for some early stage investors. If you’d like to see a business plan / prospectus, please let me know!
Please continue to sue your consumers. It makes my life easier.
I love knowing that artists and fans at Mybandstock will always be our first priority.
“High-Court Nominee Adopts RIAA Stance”
http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2009/06/high-court-nominee-adopts-riaa-stance/
At first, I really annoyed by this. I was like, seriously, how can these people back such a crooked and nasty group of people. I am totally against the RIAA and what they stand for.
Then the business side of me kicked in said, “Shhh. These guys are only making your life easier!” One more reason for artists NOT to sign major record reals, one more reason for fans NOT to buy records. One more reason for artists and fans alike to realize that record labels are not a necessary intermediary. Buy stock and keep these labels off the streets!
Attention Based Revenue: Gerd Leonhard
Co-author of “The Future of Music” book Gerd Leonhard:
“A Future where all kinds of attention-based revenues (i.e. not just advertising-as-we-knew-it but revenue sharing of flat-rate offerings, next-generation ‘2.0′ advertising, up-stream selling and marketing, sponsorships and branding, linking and referring, etc) will very likely surpass copy & unit-sales revenues. A Future where many content creators of all kinds, in all locations, and within all levels of accomplishment will make more money based on what their brand stands for, based on their fans aka users having real, meaningful experiences with or through them, and based on who pays attention to them, when and where.”
Meaning – selling CD’s is not going to pay rent, put food on the table, or put gas in your tour guzzler. Rather, artists will be making money based on “performance based works”, like getting your songs onto MTV or the Travel Channel, playing shows in bigger venues, or having enough hits on your Myspace to snag a sponsorship from . In essence, even though fans aren’t making tons purchases, they still have to care enough to come to your shows, support you, and visit your media outlets. Sure, you will always be able to sell Tshirts and (some CDs), but you cannot rely on this revenue stream entirely.
Be a remarkable artist and make music that people love. Do something different. Make a statement. Get attention.
