In my new role as a freelance A&R person, I have noticed some big flaws that unsigned bands are doing that are hurting their chances of discovery. I felt compelled to write an article on how important a band’s song selection is for acquiring new fans and label interest.
If you are a band, please remember this simple fact: There are MILLIONS of bands cluttering up the internet. The power of the internet is a blessing to an established band’s career. But for an unsigned band who hasn’t found their place in the music landscape, the many bands on the internet are cluttering up your chances of discovery. The one thing I have heard, over and over from the music industry, is that TDC is a great filtration system for them. We have been careful about what bands we post about and feature. This includes simple news posts. The music industry is tired of all the internet band “clutter.”Read Full Story...
Before I start talking about what to include in a press kit, I want you to stop and think about something. I want you to put yourself into the shoes of an A&R scout or any other industry person. Just for a moment, try to imagine how many press kits these people receive. Just keep that in your mind.
Now, let’s pretend you are that A&R scout. Imagine yourself standing over your desk with stacks of press kits. You finally have 10 minutes to grab a press kit, look through it and listen to a song or two. Are you still imagining this? Ok, select a press kit. Go ahead and envision yourself doing this. Which press kit did you grab? Was it the one with the big, obnoxious writing? Or was it the one with the cool band name? Wait, was it that envelope with all those stickers on it is screaming to be opened. Which press kit do you think that A&R scout would’ve grabbed?
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Before I tell you what I look for in the Top 40 Unsigned list, let me get a few things off my chest.
On the last list, I left off quite a few bands that I’m friends with. I left off quite a few bands that I have a good relationship with. I left off bands that I considered for the last list but left them off, only for them to get signed (Four Year Strong, PlayRadioPlay!).
But I want to stress to all the bands that I have some kind of communication with that if you don’t make the list, it doesn’t mean I don’t like your band. As a matter of fact, one of my most favorite unsigned bands was not only left off the first list but will be left off this next list. Why? They aren’t ready yet. Simple as that. You can’t rush things in the music business. There is a right time for everything. Your band might be in that category. Patience is key. Read Full Story...
Well people… it's festival season, time to get that summer job so you can blow all your cash on merch, tickets, food, beer, and some stuff I don't advise. It's hard to decide where to go, who to see, and who to bring so I'm gonna do my best to help prepare you (festival name, dates, price, line-up, website)!
If only getting signed was as easy as reading an article. But, guess what? I’m here to tell you that it can sure help. Before I tell you the steps to getting signed, let me tell you why I qualify giving this advice.
It’s that time of year when bands are scrambling to try to find ways to get on Warped Tour. They register for contests sponsored by Ernie Ball, Hot Topic and SmartPunk to get a chance to play on the tour. Or, they plot their secret plans to “sneak in” the tour. It’s also the time for the “average joe” to break into the music scene and find a job on the 8-week music festival.
I’ve had the privilege (or the stupidity) to do the full tour during 2005 and 2006 (with Greeley Estates’05 and SmartPunk’06). I can tell you, without a shadow of a doubt, that doing the full Warped Tour is one of the hardest experiences of your entire life. To make it worse, I am saying that after I did both tours on a tour bus. I can’t even fathom doing the full tour in a van or RV. Those bands and their crew deserve a ton more respect.
