This year, San Francisco-based independent punk record label Fat Wreck Chords turns 25. Forming in 1990, and operating without an actual office until 1993, Michael “Fat Mike” Burkett and his then-girlfriend (now ex-wife) Erin founded the label to put out music that not only Fat Mike himself was playing (he fronts NOFX), but also music they […]
View PostI’ll be writing a periodic set of articles all designed to present the necessary information to make complex topics in the music business more easily understood—”walk throughs,” if you will. The first in the series is a walk through on sampling.
I chose this topic because it allows us to view an action—sampling—which requires an understanding of an array of music business elements. As such, I’m able to introduce several important concepts at the same time. Even if you yourself are an artist who does not sample, it’s important to understand the process because someone may desire to sample your music.
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On September 11, Amanda Palmer—AFP to fans and friends—will release Theatre is Evil with TuneCore providing digital distribution. If you don’t know Amanda Palmer, you should; the successes of her career can serve as inspiration for many DIY performers.
View PostRdio increases catalog to over 18 million songs; adds TuneCore and other new partners. The partnerships with top independent music aggregators connect over a quarter-million artists to fans in 13 countries
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Are you a big Spotify listener? Soundrop.fm is a free app for the iPhone, iPad, and iTouch that turns Spotify into a more social experience. With the app you can create a listening room for playlists you’ve created, or check out some of the public rooms to hear specific types of music and hang with thousands of music fans.
View PostBy Ari Herstand
When you’re on tour, merch is your #1 income generator. This can’t be stressed enough. Believe it. Bands stress over their guarantees and door splits and turnouts. If you want to survive financially with your music you must understand the importance of merch sales and approach it as such. I’ve played shows where 10 people showed up, but they had such an amazing time and I stressed the merch to them that all 10 people bought something averaging about $15. That’s $150 in merch sales. That’s good for any night.
View PostSometime in the 90’s, “artist development” for rock and alternative bands, got turned on its head helping to destroy the music industry
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