This is the subject of a panel topic I have submitted to SXSW2010.  The focus of the panel would be to have a discussion over the use of interaction and interactive tools, by bands and musicians.  Some musicians say they would rather remain private, and let their music do the speaking to the fans… others are more than happy to open up and communicate directly with fans.  Is one strategy better than the other?  Are …

Wow, it’s been too long since my last article… will try not to do that again…
Okay, I suppose I shouldn’t speak for all cellphone companies, but in past experience I’ve seen cellphone companies offer fantastic incentives to join their network.  They’re offering huge discounts on the handsets, at times even free, very attractive talk and data plans, etc.  We all know the catch is that they want you to sign a contract with them for …

Myspace, Twitter, Facebook, LastFM, buzznet, Bebo, Xanga, Hi5, Youtube, Reverbnation, iLike, imeem, orkut, and the list goes on… there is seemingly a TON of different social networks that a band could potentially have a presence on.  The problem is, each one then requires updating and managing… which can become very time consuming.  The other problem is that these social networks seem to pop up all the time, there’s always new ones around the bend, and …

Okay, here’s a new thing I’m trying out… answering reader questions… I hope I can help.
One reader writes…
Ian,
I am trying to get into the music business with the ultimate goal of owning my own independent record label. I have been asked by a friend of mine to run their street team. What type of advice would you give to someone taking over a street team? They have amassed a large following in the local area, …

Two approaches to promoting your band, both of which are not mutually exclusive.  Meaning, you should try to do them both as best you can.
The first, Be Where Everyone Is… is all about knowing your target fans, and making sure that you are active in those places, both online and in the offline space.  Being active where your potential fans already spend their time – the bars, websites, blogs, concerts, radio stations, specialty record shops, …

Sounds a little violent, and the origins of the phrase quite possibly are… but taken in the context of a band performing live… it’s one hell of a mantra.
Not only does it clearly state that you have to perform exceptionally well – that’s where the kicking ass part comes in – but it indicates a follow up action – the taking of names.  This part should be taken quite literally… make sure that every time …

So it’s the kickoff to the North By Northeast music festival here in Toronto, which is Canada’s version of the SXSW fest.  NXNE isn’t anywhere near as big as it’s southern brother, but in some ways that’s better… you don’t feel like you miss out on as much.  Oh, there’s lots happening, more than enough to fill your evenings with many options of great bands at each timeslot, but not to the point where every …

Lets face it… if you’re a musician, you like the music you make.  You know it, you live with it, it swims around in your head all day long.  Other people don’t know your music at all.  I’m going to assume your goal is to try and change that fact.
The problem is, people (your target fans) are so inundated with things thrust at them, in hopes they’ll buy it, they have their guard up, and …

Don’t freak out… this post isn’t meant to make you more paranoid, it’s meant to try making you see the promotional potential in everything you do. Keep that in mind as you read the next bit, and if you’ve ever read any Seth Godin blogs or books, the themes in this post may be familiar to you, but hey… if you’re in a band and you’re reading Seth Godin, then you’re on the right …

When it comes to interacting with your fans and friends, and sharing information with them online, keep the subject heading of this post in mind.
Social networking is extremely useful for showcasing your personality, or posting “slice-of-life” information that’s designed to give readers/viewers/listeners an inside perspective into what you’re all about… They want to know who you are, and they want to be interested in you, so give them the information that’s going to be interesting …