The Music Business for Unsigned Artist

Unsigned Artist this is your office.

The music business can be a difficult business. Most artist are intimidated by the many aspects of the business. There are many roles you have to handle. (Manager, Booking Agent, Promoter, A&R, Producer, Publishing Company, Song writer, Travel Agent, Public Relations Representative) The list could go on and on. The most important aspect of the business a artist can concentrate on is making great music. The next most important aspect of your career is to be a person of your WORD. You do not want to get a reputation of not being reliable.

Management: To manage your career in music you need to be organized. You need to keep names and phone numbers in a central location. This allows you to save time and energy. Keep a calendar handy to mark events and appointments. (You can use this at tax time if you itemize) I would use a calendar to mark other events that are in your same genre of music.

Booking Agent: You will have to set up shows to perform your music. DJ’s, Club Owners, and other artist are very good sources to find gigs. You need to rehearse, rehearse, rehearse. If you want to grow your fan base you need to be able to put on a great show. Fans will use word of mouth to help you grow your fan base.

Promoter:You will have to be the best promoter of your music. Even if you hire a promoter you still are the best promoter of your music. Marketing and Promotion of your music should be done daily. Use Social Media to help you promote your music.

You will have to be your own Artist and Repertoire (A&R): Artist Development is the part that is most important to your career. Your support system is very important to your success. Record each performance. Find someone in the business that you trust to give you honest advice about your music and performance.

These are a few things that I think can help you in your music career.

-DJ Russ Dogg

Music Marketing & Promotion

As a unsigned artist, music marketing and promotion is as important as recording good music. What good is it to have good music if no one ever hears your music. I would suggest to artist is to build a team to help your career. The music business is a hard career path. You can try to do it all yourself. That is a unwise decision. It is better to get a group of people to help you build your career. Here are some ideas I suggest to help you build more exposure for your music.

Plan your Marketing and Promotion: Figure out how you are going to get your music out to the public. I suggest you use social media to get your music out to the people. Also use internet radio.

Be Visible: Go to local events. Get to know other artist and promoters in your city. There are artist in your city trying to make it just like you. That is a great support system.

Sell Your Music Where You Perform: The best promotion is to Sell Your Music/Products where you perform. You have people in the venue already; why not sell them your music. Notice I said sell. Now music professionals (DJ’s, A&R Reps, Club Owners) I would give those a free copy of your music. But casual fans, you have to recoup the money you spent in producing your album/mixtape.

Internet Radio: This is a great alternative to mainstream Radio. Internet Radio exposes your music to a world wide audience. I have my own Internet Radio Show. The DJ Russ Dogg Morning Show. We are always looking for new music. You can send me your music at DJRussDoggTPBE@gmail.com We can get your music on air.

You have to always study your craft. Learn your business.

-DJ Russ Dogg

Advertising on The DJ Russ Dogg Morning Show

If you have an mixtape or an event you want to promote on the DJ Russ Dogg Morning Show contact me. I am willing to help promote your project or event. I can create a :15 second or :30 second commercial for your project or event. Just contact me for details. I look forward to working with you. The Unsigned Artist Representative.

-DJ Russ Dogg

Happy MLK Day

The Unsigned Artist Hustle

The one thing about the music business; it has a lot of uncertainty involved. You don’t know when you meet someone are they genuine. Look.

1. Go into every situation with optimism. You never know what that situation can do for your career.
2. Be prepared. “Success is where Opportunity and Preparedness meets.”
3. Learn your craft. Know what a sound check is. Know what a managers duties are. Know that you are your own Public Relations firm. You have be on your best behavior.
4. Network with people. Network with everyone. You never know who someone knows. You could be talking to the relative to your favorite artist. Or you may be talking to the Head of A&R of a major label.
5. Make clean versions of your explicit songs. A lot of artist want their music to be heard on the Radio. The problem comes because there is no clean material to play.
6. Support other Unsigned Artist. Atlanta’s music scene is the best example of people working together for a common goal. Help people and people will be motivated to help you.
7. Get outside your comfort zone. Go outside of where you are from to perform. If you live in Columbus go to Dayton, Cincinnati, or Cleveland to perform. You will be surprised at the reaction.
8. Invest in your career. Spend money on studio time. Purchase exclusive beat from established producers. Don’t expect quality work from unprofessional people.
9. Set Goals. You will be surprised when you see the progress you make. You can sit back and enjoy your success when you can see what you have been working for.
!0. Marketing and Promotion. Get out there and promote yourself. Go everywhere. Be Seen. Promote whatever project you are working on. Your music budget will always be mostly Marketing and Promotion. Get started now.

-DJ Russ Dogg TPBE
DJRussDoggTPBE@gmail.com
http://www.facebook.com/DJRussDogg
Twitter and IG: @djrussdoggtpbe

Unsigned Artist Marketing and Promotions

Unsigned artist you are your business. Understand that what you post on social media is seen by both future fans and future business partners. You have to make wise use of social media. Take professional photos for your promotional material. There are people in your immediate area that can help you achieve your dream. You also need to understand criticism is not always hate. I will be using this medium to help unsigned artist get your message out. Go to my contact page if you are interested in being featured in my blog or interviewed on my Radio Show The DJ Russ Dogg Morning Show. http://www.undergroundcolumbus.com

Major labels spend 200k -700k on marketing and promotion. You should not expect to be given everything free. Free Beats, Free Studio Time, Free Photoshoots. There are some people who will. But remember those who helped you when you do make it.

-DJ Russ Dogg #Salute

Happy New Year 2015

Happy New Year from DJ Russ Dogg. Artist, Managers, and Labels this is the time of year to start booking Spring, Summer and Fall Festivals. Also this is the time to start booking mini tours. Get on your business. This is game for free from DJ Russ Dogg. Tune in to the DJ Russ Dogg Morning Show Fridays 9am-1pm EST. http://www.undergroundcolumbus.com or Download the Tunein Radio App for your SmartPhone. Search UndergroundColumbus.com inside the app to tune in.