Making $ in a Digital World

People get into some aspect of the entertainment industry mostly because they love it. On the other hand we have to be honest and say people get into the industry to make money doing what they love.

Just like any other business or industry owners of companies, brands and products make money by how well they market what they have to offer. In recent years we have seen a dramatic shift in the world of marketing specifically in the entertainment industry.  Marketing is no longer about billboards and paper ads its all about being digital. Executives are asking how can we directly reach our audience and what will it take to make them market the product for us?

In a recent article I read titled “The Power of Facebook Likes”, it exemplified just how much power the consumer has in their hands and how that directly correlates into marketing stats. With new media and technology marketing is no longer the 5-man crew that brainstorms ideas in the company’s conference room. With digital marketing it has become a company effort. Companies are forced to collectively market the brand or product and be fully knowledgeable of the resources being used.

With digital marketing it doesn’t necessarily make marketing easier it actually becomes more difficult to understand just how the efforts are affecting revenue. With traditional marketing models companies where always able to see the direct connection of their efforts to the income. A prime example would be a record company looking to invest in a new artist. If xyz amount is spent in promo touring, recording etc. than record sales should reflect xyz. Now you have record companies trying to balance the pulse of an artist fan response by FaceBook likes, twitter followers, and YouTube views.

Aside from the advancement of digital marketing the digital world has become a revolution overall. It’s made for traditional thinking in business to be altered. It’s mandatory for companies to consider the digital resources that appeal to their company and completely understand how to market and make money through them.

For more info to help your organization enter the world of digital marketing here is another great article Teaching the organization the power of digital 

AIM TO PLEASE

I have a love for traditional R&B. The R&B from the 80's and 90's that talk about love, life, and just makes you feel good. There is something about good soulful music that makes your day a little bit brighter. There are some good R&B artist that are commercial today but I find that you find the raw talent in unsigned artist. They haven't' been trained, coached or molded into a commercialized machine. If you can agree with me, than you would love this artist I found. It boggles my mind that he isn't signed or at least more well known.

His name is DaJuan "AKA DAT R&B DUDE". A Winston Salem, NC native and lover of music. DaJuan is a singer and songwriter with talent that exceeds his unsigned counterparts. DaJuan just released his mix-tape which is hosted by DJ Complex another NC native. Together they released "AIM TO PLEASE". The mix-tape has a classic R&B feel with a fresh squeeze of new school flow. DJ Complex brought great energy to the mix-tape and combined with DaJuan's sweet lyrics and soulful voice the two killed it! The title for this mix-tape says everything, and the cover speaks volumes. This is an example of pure artistry.

One of my favorite songs from the mix-tape is "Love Language". The song is sweet and the lyrics will definitely have you believing in love if you don't. The best version of this song is the one he did for YouTube  of him singing it acoustic. This video really displays his natural ability to capture you and the lyrics speak for themselves. I will definitely be looking forward to his success in the future. Please take a look and enjoy.

If you want to get a copy of the mix-tape it's available for FREE download on two different sites. Just follow the links: DatPiff AIM TO PLEASE DOWNLOAD  HulkShare AIM TO PLEASE DOWNLOAD

"The Business of Music"

Many artist want to know how to get their big break. Very rarely do find the artist that wants to know how to conduct business once they get that big break. I have said it time and time before that we can not forget this is a Music Business.

Many artist careers stall for one or two reasons. They allow someone else to handle all their business out of trust or the attempt to handle the business themselves. I personally think either option can be feasible with the right precautions. One thing that I recommend for any artist I represent is to read any info that I read, be it books, articles, podcast etc. I also discuss all business with the artist before any decision is made on their behalf. I think this allows for the trust to be established and it also insures that the  artist is actively involved in all decisions made. It's the opportunity for the artist to learn the business.

If an artist chooses to take the route of representing themselves in business matters. I recommend pursuing an education in such in business and entertainment, or at least dedicating the time to learn the ropes. Self representation as an artist can be a tricky thing. In my opinion it isn't the best idea. The one thing to be sure of is to know the business.

In looking for some good points to offer artist and even managers, or producers on the rise I came across "The Music Biz Workshop". They have a plethora of podcast and articles that offer and discuss great points for anyone in the business.