One of the biggest challenges songwriters face nowadays is how to get their music in front of people. Not just any people–people who can help take the music further. If you’re a songwriter at any level, novice to expert, I’d like to share a unique resource with you: the Durango Songwriters Expo.
The DSE holds two major events per year–one in Colorado and one in Santa Barbara, California. The next one is October 6-8 at Omni Interlocken Resort in Broomfield, Colorado, just north of Denver.
Recently I’ve been privileged to become part of a larger discussion on MicControl, an up-and-coming website that is becoming somewhat of a clearinghouse for helpful discussions and information for indie musicians. The site has a growing number of contributors, including other bloggers like me who blog on artist development topics, plus some contributions from some better-known sites like CDBaby.
I like this site for a couple of important reasons:
Indie musicians: have you heard of SoundExchange? If not, you should know about them. What’s more, you should sign up with them–especially if you have recorded material that’s been released.
Why? You ask. Because you might be making money right now, without even realizing it.
Part of the purpose of this blog, besides offering advice and encouragement, is to let you know about resources that might be of benefit to independent musicians. So when Mixonic.com invited me to write a review of their website, I felt it was appropriate to do so, because they do, in fact, offer an array of services that indie musicians may find useful. In the interest of honesty and disclosure, this is a paid review; however, Mixonic clearly understands that they are paying for my time, and nothing else; my opinions are not for sale, and never will be. I also want to say up front that in no way should this review be considered an endorsement of any product or service offered on their website; as I have not used their services myself, I can’t vouch for the quality. But after thinking about it, I decided to write the review because at the very least, it presents an option to my readers to check out the website and decide for themselves.
Q: What’s the biggest need among indie musicians? (Hint: it’s not talent, ramen noodles or beer. All three are abundant in the indie scene.)
A: Money.
Musicians need money–lots of it–even before they start making money. We need mucho moolah, for equipment, studio time–and ramen. Well, a website called Slicethepie.com is a creative approach to funding that might be worth looking into.
Hey, guys and girls–here’s an interesting development that might be worth checking out. A few days ago, Music Industry News Network published an article about Music180, a new site that’s building a bridge for indie artists by providing artist development resources for emerging talent.
Here’s how it works. Sign up for a free membership on the site, and you get to network with a group of seasoned industry professionals: upload your music to them, and take advantage of any of a number of different opportunities being offered at the time. For example, you can submit your song for critique, or spend an hour on the phone with a top producer, or have a photo shoot done–that kind of thing. Different opportunities geared toward artist development, ranging from connections to exposure to advice.
