Today's Music Biz

I’m told by some that Drake is a “reverse rapper”.  Most successful rappers go to TV. Drake was a teenage TV star on Digrassi The Next Generation before his rap career took off.

Either way, there is no denying DrizzyDrake is everywhere with the fan base to follow.

So what are some of the secrets to Drake’s success in Today’s Music biz and what mistakes can you avoid?

1)  Build your brand.

If you Google Drake you’ll come up with DrizzyDrake (Drake’s AKA) and Octobers Very Own or OVO.  Drake’s brand. He built this brand before he signed to a label.

2) Listen to constructive criticism from your fans.

In a recent interview with Billboard magazine, Drake states that he’d “rather have great reviews than numbers”. Implementing feedback can take your music to the next level. I’ve seen it happen.

3) Positivity matters.

Drake’s song “Successful” and the lyrics to the majority of his songs are aspirational.  They talk about what he’s accomplished, or wants to accomplish (even if it’s marrying Nicki Minaj).  This is how he connects with many of his fans.  You have to have dreams and goals to be successful in Today’s Music Biz.  You have to believe in them, sing or write them to act on them.

4) Get your music cleared before announcing a release date.

Drake’s first album Thank Me Later release was pushed back due to licensing issues after the date had been announced.  It may work for someone with a large enough, established, fan base but you don’t want to build anticipation and then let your fans down by not being able to release your album on time.

5)  Leaks can be good.

He’s quoted in Billboard.com saying “the night that it leaks is the night by album release is…that’s when you start hearing feedback. That’s how we gauge things now”.  His latest release ended up dropping on the night of an awards show where he had the opportunity to let everyone know on national TV during his performance that it sold 700,000 units.

6)  Be loyal to those who give you a chance.

Drake’s first album with Lil Wayne’s Young Money hit #1 on Billboard top 200. His most recent deal for the release of Take Care was signed with Young Money/Cash Money/Universal to make sure Lil Wayne got paid off everything he did.  Just for believing in him!  This album just hit #1 on the Billboard top 200 as well. My guess is he’ll be winning more awards next year and thanking Lil Wayne.

 7)  Fame is fleeting.

Drake Says you get 30 days for an album, of media and radio air play. Drake connects with fans by singing about situations they are going through.  But everyone’s situation changes day by day.  Whats hot in music changes from day to day. That’s why we teach you to The ABC’s of Music Marketing.

There are  more lessons to be learned from this successful rapper.  One we’ve talked about many times at TMB is collaboration.  Drake’s success in working with others such as Trey Songz,  Jay-Z,  and Mary J. Blige and so many more has been phenomenal. Drake even wrote Un-thinkable (I’m Ready) with Alicia Keys.  Collaboration done right always leads to success and other opportunities.

We’re here to help you Succeed in Today’s Music Biz.

Although I’ve never been a real fan of Rihanna’s, the uniqueness of her voice makes her superbly recognizable. I can’t help but be impressed by her level of success in the music biz. I love her life motto: “Never a Failure, Always a Lesson”

So what Music Biz lessons can an upcoming artist learn from of the multi-platinum International musician, Rihanna?

1. Determination. Rihanna started a musical trio at the age of 15. She left school and moved to the US when she was 16. It took a year to record a 4-song demo to be pushed to recording companies. Jay-Z, the President of Def-Jam listened to her demo. Although hesitant at first, he had her come in and audition in front of himself and L.A. Reid. They signed her to the label the same day.

2. Be your own person; a unique influence. Rihanna has never pulled punches on being who she is, (or how she dresses) even if it causes controversy.

Rihanna’s voice and music have unique influences. Her mother is Guyanese, and her Father is Barbadian and Irish. Her music has a Reggae Caribbean feel with hip hop influence, all of which is definitely part of her appeal.

3. Diversify: Set yourself up for the long haul. I’ve heard this many times in my life in regards to business. As a business person, Rihanna has used her brand to get into many markets with endorsements from Secret, J.C. Penny, Cover Girl, and Nivea. She’s also started Vita Cocoa water with Madonna. She’s founded The Believe Foundation to help kids and has performed countless benefit concerts for different causes.

4. Not everyone you involve yourself with, will be a good influence for your music business. This includes people that involve themselves with you, claiming to be there for you. The people around you can make or break you. We’ve heard a number of very successful musicians say they want to get out of the music biz. Why? It’s not because they don’t like making music any more. It’s because they are fed up with the people around them; the influences in their lives and musical careers.

It was unfortunate that we all got to watch Rihanna and Chris Brown’s relationship, not only fall apart but end up in violence in the public eye. Before that, they seemed to be one of hip-hops hottest couples. At some point before this incident, this relationship should have been evaluated for cracks. Make sure you evaluate the relationships around you. Are they really beneficial to your career? Do they support your ideas and dreams? Or do they give you reasons why they won’t work or can’t happen? Fortunately, Rihanna was able to come back and make music history performing California King Bed with Jennifer Nettles at the 2011 CMA’s.

5. Don’t give up. Rihanna has come back from controversy, public humiliation and a bad break up. Most recently she was slammed by the media for walking down the streets of her Barbados home town revealing…herself. Later she was photographed and talked about for “dressing like a teacher…and showing no skin”. She came back from that one fairly quickly. What obstacles are you facing? What will it take for you to overcome them, move on, and Succeed in Today’s Music Biz?

The ugly truth is that the Music Biz is not easy street. There will be challenges and obstacles to overcome. Rihanna, a young girl from Barbados went on to sell over 20 million albums in the US alone. This is not including her latest release Loud.

Remember Rihanna’s words and learn from situations that are difficult for you. “Never a Failure, always a lesson”

If you’d like to share your challenges or your story join us on facebook. www.facebook.com/TodayMusicBiz

Fergie, lead female vocalist for The Black Eyed Peas was recently named Billboards Women of the Year for 2010. What was one of Fergie’s secrets to success? Fergie and her fellow musicians “The Pea’s” are perfect examples of using anthems to stay on top. “Where Is The Love?” was The Peas first major hit. I don’t know if I’d call it inspirational but it did make you think. The people loved it. It landed at #8 on the Billboard Top 100.

Have you ever been at concert and the crowd was chanting to the music?

Through the years all great causes have had songs to create and maintain movement. From the Civil Rights movement to We Will Rock You, Anthems work! Even if your cause is self promotion. Why? Because…

Music Unites People.

How do you write an anthem to unite and inspire or even to Rock? Well, Today’s Music Biz Team has broken Anthems down into 5 categories. Each one of them has brought various artists success in their music career.

Party Anthems and Dance Moves – Music created to move the crowd. The Twist, da Butt, Soulja Boy…need I say more. Also any shuffle works to move the crowd and cross social boundaries.

Inspirational - Songs that people connect with that make them feel inspired where ever they are in their life or that moves them in some way. As I mentioned above, The Peas charted with one. “I’ve Got a Feeling” is another good one. Every genre is full of inspirational songs.

Supporting a larger cause – We’ve seen this more this type of Anthem more this year than ever. Artist came out and wrote songs to causes close to their hearts. To help Haiti. will.i.am, of the Black Eyed Pea remixed The Who’s song “My Generation”. Artists came together to re-create “We Are The World” for New Orleans. Country Musicians were on the forefront of The Tennessee flood. We continue to hear songs from the past, some even passed down through generations, songs that support great causes.

Break up anthems – This type of anthem touches people personally. There are songs about the pain and never getting over you, but many successful songs are about moving on and kickin’ the ex to the curb. Beyonce with “Irreplaceable”, Number 1 and 3x Platinum. Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats”, Number 1 and 3x Platinum. Cee Lo Greene is already nominated for a Grammy for his hit song “Forget You!”

Your name (or a derivative of) – “Fergalicious” featuring will.i.am topped the charts at #2. Fergie’s album The Dutchess went 2x Platinum in the US. I have to mention Soulja Boy again here because he practically succeeded in becoming a house hold name.

It’s about Unification. Music unites people and Anthems are proven to be successful.

What great Anthems do you love? What are your memories associated with them? Leave a comment below and tell us.

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Today’s Music Biz

Promote Your Page Too

“Jay-Z is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America”

When no major record label would give him a record deal, Jay-Z and two of his associates started their own record label, Roc-A-Fella Records. Jay-Z would not be as successful as he is today if he hadn’t taken risks in his musical career. No one’s risks have paid off more.

Here are 5 risks that are well worth taking to advance your music business and succeed in Today’s Music Biz.

Incorporate. This means register your music business at the state level. There are several types of business structures. You’ll have to research to find out which is the best for your situation. If you are still not sure, hire an attorney who knows corporate music business law. IRS.gov/business is a good place to begin your research. It’s not difficult to register, but there are fees associated with it.

File your taxes. Now more than ever before, there are benefits such as tax exemptions for small businesses. Some tax benefits are specific to the music business. It’s best to hire a tax professional who is knowledgeable in Music Business tax laws and provisions so you can take advantage of all the exemptions available. Make sure you prepare though out the year by saving any receipts related to your Music Business, including travel, equipment, and business meals just to name a few.

Brand yourself. Make sure your image is consistent with your message. Then stay consistent. If you are a record label owner, think about what you want your label to stand for. If you are a musician or band, you are your brand. Make sure to represent.

Reach out. You never know what opportunity is on the other side of a click. Fans need to connect with you, so use the resources available to you to communicate with them. I check out many artists, just because they sent me a nice email or a dm on twitter and we usually end up interviewing them on our BlogTalkRadio Music Biz Podcast. Today’s music biz is about relationships. So always remember to be professional. Nothing on the internet is private.

Write your goals. This is the most important of them all. It could be a very important aspect missing from your music business. Writing down your goals and visualizing what you want to accomplish brings you one step closer to achieving them.

What risks have you taken or are considering taking in your music business? Do you write down your goals? Tell us what you’re trying to accomplish in Today’s Music Biz. Please comment below.

This week John Legend takes Digital Music Marketing to a new level with a high profile performance streaming live on YouTube.

Promoting his new album Wake Up, along with the legendary Roots and directed by Spike Lee, there will be special guests Jennifer Hudson, Common, Melanie Fiona, and Estelle.

Today’s Music Biz team is looking forward to witnessing this latest music promotion and free streaming concert!

Jac Holzman, founder of Elektra Records, stated recently in a YouTube video:

“YouTube is the strongest place you can be.”

This is a man who knows. He came up with the concept that created MTV.

YouTube provides fans a way of being able to get to know more about you, verses just listening to your music.

Here are 5 tips for your YouTube Indie Music Marketing and promotion success.

1. Use various ways to interact.

You can comment on videos, subscribe to channels you enjoy, or post video comments.

2. Remember who you’re marketing to.

Try to picture your ideal fan in your head. What are their interests? Appeal to that person.

3. Use your interests to attract new fans.

By posting or commenting on things you’re interested in, fans can get to know more about you and people interested in those same things will come and check you out.

4. Call to Action!

Ask for what you want. Please don’t say: “Cop my album”. They already know you want to sell your music to them. Remind them to: Subscribe, Rate or comment on your video.

5. Remember, it takes time.

The more time you spend interacting, the more attention you’ll get.

The more creative and entertaining your videos are, the better chance you’ll have of them going viral. It’s about EXPOSURE. Find creative ways to get more of it, like John Legend.

In Today’s Music Biz, fans want an experience when they hear your music. The better experience you provide for your fans, the more music you’ll sell, and the more you’ll Succeed in Today’s Music Biz.