Music Promotion, Marketing and Distribution Newsletter

February 2017

The contacts listed are sorted into FIVE sections:

1. Publications, Review Websites and Music Blogs that will REVIEW your music
2. Radio Stations, Shows and Podcasts that will PLAY your songs
3. Labels, Vendors, Distributors and Promotional Services that will help you to SELL your CD
4. Websites where you can UPLOAD your band's MP3s or videos
5. Helpful Resources for recording artists

SECTION ONE: SITES/PUBLICATIONS WHERE YOU CAN GET YOUR MUSIC REVIEWED

Making a Scene
5765 Lake Windsor Pkwy. Buford, GA 30518
Richard L'Hommedieu publisher@makingascene.org
www.makingascene.org
Independent musicians guide to the music business, CD reviews artist interviews, recording techniques, music business articles, interviews with Music Business professionals, show reviews and much more. Genres we feature are Hip Hop/Rap, Dance/Electronic, Soul/R&B/Funk, Acoustic, Folk, Roots, Singer/Songwriter, Country/Bluegrass, Americana/Alt-Country, Blues, World Music, Jamband, Jazz, Latin, Reggae/Ska, Pop, Rock/Indie, Alternative, Industrial/Goth, Prog Rock, Experimental, Cajun/Zydeco, Hard Rock, Metal and Punk.

Metal-Rules.com
EvilG metalhead@metal-rules.com
www.metal-rules.com
One of the largest and leading Heavy Metal sites online. Our writing and administrative staff is comprised of people from Canada, USA, Finland, Sweden and Australia. Most of our writers have been Metal fans for well over 20 years. We take this music, and what we do, seriously. The site is run as a hobby, by dedicated fans of Metal. But with a proven track record of 15 years online, you can rest assured we are here to stay. facebook.com/MetalRulesWebzine @MetalRulesZine

Shok Wave
www.kulchashok.com/news
A weekly summary of new music that Lance-O feels is at least good. Reggae, Dancehall, Soca, Calypso, Ska and any genres or forms that may incorporate them or any other form of Caribbean music. Contact us via our ONLINE form.

BLURT Magazine
PO Box 2310, Fairview, NC 28730
Fred Mills BlurtEditor@gmail.com
www.blurtonline.com
Raises the bar for modern music and entertainment by combining insightful features, irreverent interviews, relentless reviews, and first-class design standards. It is recommended that in many instances you should contact individual writers as they are the ones who pitch reviews, features and other projects to the editorial staff. @BlurtMagazine

The Bluegrass Situation
Amy Reitnouer info@thebluegrasssituation.com
www.thebluegrasssituation.com
Creating unique, quality content covering the international scene, ranging from traditional Bluegrass to progressive Folk Rock, Americana, Roots, and everything in between. facebook.com/TheBluegrassSituation @TheBGSituation

SECTION TWO: RADIO STATIONS, SHOWS AND PROMOTERS

2.1 RADIO - STATIONS AND SHOWS

KUOS LP - U. Sedona
PH: 808-244-9145
Cindy Paulos cindy@tiki.net
www.kuosfm.com
A station dedicated to providing uplifting and inspiring music and talk 24 hours a day. We are a non-denominational group who wish to share this unique format that embraces metaphysical principles and embraces the power of positive music and words. Music has a message and we want you to be able to hear the brilliant artists you might not get a chance to hear on commercial radio. People have a message we want to be able to give a voice to your creative expressions. facebook.com/MetaphysicalNetwork

LaTeX RaDiO
TG Mondalf tgmondalf@latexrecords.com
www.latexradio.com
Podcast featuring various themes from the musical genres of EBM, Industrial, Goth, Darkwave, Neo-Folk, Neo-Classical, Electronica, Trance, Synthpop and other Underground styles. LaTeX RaDiO is hosted primarily by TG Mondalf of Latex Records, a small indie label. However, many podcasts are also created by other podcasters working with LaTeX RaDiO.Artists wishing to submit their work please make contact via e-mail to obtain current mailing address for shipping demos or to send download links and promo materials. Station IDs are very welcomed!! facebook.com/LTXRDO @tgmondalf

Emidio's Rock Den Digital Revolution Radio
Emidio Vaz digitalRevolutionRadio.net@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/emidio.vaz.562
Features independent Rock, Pure Heavy Metal and Blues. Please contact me through my Facebook page or Twitter account facebook.com/digitalrevolutionradio @Drrradio @slipnslidding

Kulcha Shok Radio
www.kulchashok.com
Streaming online 24hrs a day 7 days a week! Reggae, Dancehall, Roots, Reggae Roots, Culture, Reggae Rock, Acoustic, Hawaiian, Jawaiian, Reggae Hip Hop, Soca, Calypso, Caribbean, Surf Music, Surf Rock, Cali Roots, Surf Roots, California Reggae, West Coast Reggae. Contact us via our ONLINE form.

Across The Tracks - PBS 106.7FM
PO Box 2917, Fitzroy MDC, VIC 3065 Australia
PH: +61-3-8415-1067
John Carver acrossthetracks@outlook.com
www.facebook.com/pages/Across-the-Tracks/168150236580304
The best of the latest releases from both new and established artists, across all genres. Across The Tracks is your window into the new, the exciting and the often eclectic. There will be a broad range of established artists as well as new artists who deserve to be heard in the same company. You'll experience music from genres you know and love and others you may not be so familiar with. It's kind of a musical smorgasbord. @pbsfm

Night Train - KMUW
Wichita State U. 3317 E. 17th St. N., Wichita, KS 67208-1912
PH: 316-978-6789
Chris Heim info@kmuw.org
www.kmuw.org/programs/night-train
Monday through Thursday nights, it's the best in Jazz on Night Train, hosted by KMUW's Chris Heim. From classic artists and recordings to today's emerging artists and most intriguing new releases - along with specials, in-depth features, Jazz concert highlights and more - Night Train will take you to the best of "America's Classical music." @KMUW

Aspenbeat
PO Box 133, Aspen, CO 81612
PH: 970-920-4708
Andrea Young andrea@aspenbeat.com
www.aspenbeat.com
Aspenbeat is #1 a label that sells independent music, and #2 a radio show that plays independent music. The weekly Radio Show features handpicked and eclectic curated artists, playlists and interviews. Aspenbeat Radio is broadcast on Aspen Public Radio on Saturday nights from 8-9pm MT. Spotlights or interviews with musicians, industry execs and experts in the music business are frequently included. @aspenbeat

Fuego Beats Radio
Fuego info@fuegobeats.com
www.fuegobeats.com
Broadcasts a distinctive blend of talk radio interviews with a mix of Hip Hop, Pop and R&B music from emerging musicians. Topics range from celebrity gossip to controversial issues relevant to a modern society, as well as pop culture. Submit your music via our ONLINE FORM. Send us an e-mail if you would like to be considered for an interview. @WFBS981

2.2 RADIO PROMOTERS

Gorov Music Marketing
10120 S. Eastern Ave. #246, Henderson, NV 89052
PH: 702-492-4965
Jason Gorov info@gorovmusic.com
www.facebook.com/gorovmusic
We are regarded as a top promotion firm in the Smooth Jazz and Smooth A/C radio formats. The father-son promotion team of Cliff & Jason Gorov have specialized in consulting/marketing and Smooth Jazz and Smooth A/C radio promotion for over 20 years. We are in weekly contact with Smooth Jazz radio stations. @GorovMusic

The ProPlay Song Insertion Service
www.proplay.com
Designed to provide recording artists with the opportunity to have their songs play adjacent to the songs of established artists of the same genre on any of our participating internet radio streaming services. ProPlay is a song promotion service that assists recording artists with acquiring fans and building a relationship for further engagement with listeners who have been targeted as likely customers of the artist's music. The ProPlay Network of music streaming providers reaches over 100 million listeners each month and offers artists an unparalleled opportunity to target their desired audience. Our streaming providers are compensated for their participation and work directly with our staff to assure quality targeted delivery of the artist's music.

National Record Promotion
137 N. Larchmont #500, Los Angeles, CA 90004
PH: 323-658-7449
Larry Weir larry_weir@sbcglobal.net
www.larryweir.com
We promote artists and groups at radio with an emphasis on independent labels and recording artists. Over the last five years NRP has worked with many major acts. NRP will assist you in weekly tracking reports...national chart activity & radio interviews. facebook.com/National.Record.Promotion

CIMG, LLC
119 Bowling Ave. Nashville, TN 37205-2357
Tony Bates contact@cimgllc.com
www.cimgllc.com
Our Radio Promotion work focuses on relevant radio stations (terrestrial and online), especially college radio stations, in the U.S., Canada and the Commonwealth of Independent States. Our staff works daily to build relationships with radio stations, regional promoters, music/entertainment publications and websites, and media outlets throughout North America as well as in eastern and central Europe. We work mostly with Rock, Pop-Rock, Americana and Alt-Country artists. facebook.com/cimgllc

Howard Rosen Promotion
521 W. Channel Islands Blvd. #15, Port Hueneme, CA 93041
PH: 805-382-2200 FX: 805-201-7816
info@howiewood.com
www.howiewood.com
Since 1985 We have been helping artists reach their goals of obtaining radio airplay, expanding their fan base, and creating awareness throughout the industry. @Howiewoodpromo

SECTION THREE: SERVICES/VENDORS/LABELS THAT WILL HELP SELL YOUR MUSIC

3.1 SERVICES - PROMOTION/PUBLICITY

D Grant Smith Promotion
D Grant Smith dgrantsmith@gmail.com
www.dgrantsmith.com
Audience growth through on-on-one coaching, online courses, books, blog articles, and podcasts to build an army of super fans for your music and take your career to the next level. I work with artists in the genres of Folk, Rock, Alternative, Acoustic, Americana/Alt-Country, Rock/Indie and Singer/Songwriter. @AppetizerRadio

Music Media Management
PH: 843-900-1463
Shennel Simmons musicmediamanagementsc@gmail.com
www.musicmediamanagementsc.com
A firm dedicated to the business needs of R&B and Gospel artists specializing in marketing, promotions and project management.

Maelstrom Public Relations
PO Box 2057, Crestline, CA 92325
PH: 909-265-6984
Curtis Smith maelstrompr@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/Maelstrompr
An entertainment public relations firm that specializes in working with indie music artists and non profit organizations to help build awareness for their projects. Our goal is To bring positive media attention to our clients to help build their success levels.

Visual Image Marketing
PO Box 120576, Nashville, TN 37212-0576
Steve Baker steveb@visualimagemarketing.com
www.visualimagemarketing.com
We have promoted over 210 music videos from independent Country and Americana artists over the past 15 years. We report music video airplay numerically by plays, not by Heavy, Medium or Light notations. Our video promotions usually run 12 ??? 16 weeks. We individually promote each client's video. We love to introduce new artists and their videos to video programmers across the nation and around the world. Would love to talk with you about your current or upcoming music video. facebook.com/Stevebaker1 @Visualimagemktg

Miles High Productions
PO Box 93157, Hollywood, CA 90093
PH: 323-806-0400 FX: 323-462-0829
mhpmanagement@mileshighproductions.com
www.mileshighproductions.com
Created to bridge the gap of companies working directly with music artists and entertainment based projects who are in need of additional marketing support. MHP also focuses on non-music ventures such as corporate brand building, cosmetics, gaming, sports and other industries. MHP's goal is to elevate your product or artist to a higher ground in an expedient timeframe by exposing them to new and existing online audiences. MHP also focuses on taking our campaigns one step further by cross-promoting all traditional methods of marketing with online opportunities for further outreach. @MilesHigh

CIMG, LLC
119 Bowling Ave. Nashville, TN 37205-2357
Tony Bates contact@cimgllc.com
www.cimgllc.com
We provide Social Media Marketing and Social Commerce Solutions for our clients, in addition to Artist Management and Record Label Services. We work with artists, record labels, agencies, events, and brands of all kinds that want to effectively engage their supporters and fans via social media. Considering the global marketplace and international appeal, we offer our services in several languages as well, when appropriate to meet your goals. We work mostly with Rock, Pop-Rock, Americana and Alt-Country artists. facebook.com/cimgllc

3.2 SERVICES - LABELS, DISTRIBUTORS AND ONLINE VENDORS

Odad Truth Records
406 Crystal Valley Dr. #3, Middlebury, IN 46540
PH: 574-849-4494
Lion Lindwedel lion@trueschoolent.com
www.facebook.com/ODADTruthRecords
The label is owned by Lion Lindwedel and Hip Hop ICON and founding member of Stetsasonic, Daddy-O, and is distributed by SpitDigital and RCSMusic, both owned by Chuck D of Public Enemy. All OTR artists receive airplay and support/promotion on The Earth's Loudest Radio on the Interweb, RapStation. @OdadTruthRecrds

Transcending Records
42 Pembrooke Rd. Montgomery, IL 60538
www.transcendingrecords.com
We are looking for bands that are creating music art within the Metal, Doom, Death, Ambient Art Rock and Indie Rock genres and sub-genres. At this time we only accept physical demos with a complete presskit sent to our mailing address. facebook.com/transcendingrecords @transcendingrec

Latex Records
TG Mondalf tgmondalf@latexrecords.com
www.latexrecords.com
Record Label, exploring mysticism, magick, myth and the deeper recesses of the subconscious; Gothic, Industrial, EBM, Darkwave, Ambient, Electronic, Experimental and associated genres and sub-genres. Musicians wanting to be involved with label projects can make contact via e-mail and/or join our Projekts group on Facebook. facebook.com/groups/LTX.projects facebook.com/LatexRecords @tgmondalf

Different Recordings
differentdemos@pias.com
www.differentrecordings.com
[PIAS]'s Electronic imprint. Whilst we are proud of our roots in Club music, we are equally concerned with making music that sounds as good on the train as it does on the dance floor. We work with exciting, progressive album artists, across of a range of musical styles, all tied together under a simple ethos; forward thinking Electronic Music. Please send private Soundcloud links. We'll try to get back, but you know what it's like. facebook.com/differentrecordings @Differentrecs

MPress Records
200 E. 10th St. #106, New York, NY 10003
info@mpressrecords.com
www.mpressrecords.com
Submissions for consideration must include all of the following: A cover letter explaining why you feel that MPress would be a good home for your music. A CD or demo. A press kit, including current bio and touring history. Contact information clearly marked on all materials. Due to the volume of submissions we receive, it may take some time for us to review your work. If we are interested in working with you, we will contact you. facebook.com/mpressrecords @mpressrecords

SECTION FOUR: SITES WHERE YOU CAN UPLOAD YOUR BAND'S MP3s OR VIDEOS

Orfium
support@orfium.com
www.orfium.com
An open free hosting platform and social marketplace for musicians and a music discovery and listening platform for fans. Content providers are in complete control of how their music gets heard with no long-term contracts, and all services simply offered non-exclusively whenever possible, period. If you currently have music on SoundCloud you can simply have it all imported to Orfium automatically to make the switch simple. See below to learn more about what we do and start uploading today. facebook.com/orfium @OrfiumMusic

Firstdub
questions@firstdub.com
www.firstdub.com
Musicians and Producers promote and sell your beats and instrumental music online, via website and across the internet with your own personalised music store. All genres and styles of music are welcome including full production, drum loops and solo compositions. Firstdub: built by musicians for musicians. @Firstdub

Krue
info@krue.tv
www.krue.tv
A live streaming platform where musicians can easily perform, share and engage with you in real time. Our mission is to help artists take steps towards financial and professional freedom by building a community around the intersection of music and live streaming. facebook.com/KrueTV @KrueTV

JukeBoxAlive
311 Montford Ave. Asheville, NC 28801
PH: 828-232-0016
Will Cumberland cumberland@jukeboxalive.com
jukeboxalive.com
Our Advanced Jukebox Player protects your music from being digitally downloaded, yet allows fans to hear your music online. This creates exciting possibilities for you to present yourself to new audiences without being ripped off.

SECTION FIVE: SOCIAL NETWORKS AND ONLINE COMMUNITIES

Music Aficionado
artistrelations@musicaficionado.com
www.musicaficionado.com
An online community for people who are passionate about music. Our members share recommendations with each other about things they love in the world of music... from the latest albums and exciting new artists to odd tunings, stellar luthiers, great deals on vintage tube amps and underrated figures in music history. facebook.com/MusicAficionadoApp

SECTION SIX: HELPFUL TOOLS AND RESOURCES FOR YOUR BAND

6.1 RESOURCES - GENERAL

Queer Women in Music - Boston
Tina Lafleur tinalafleur28@gmail.com
www.qwimb.org
Seeks to document, archive, promote, love, cherish, and support queer women in Boston's music scene???past and present. Are you a queer musician, local or from elsewhere, and want to be featured? Do you want to help us collect materials for the archive? Are you a photographer, historian, crust punk eager to volunteer, packrat/collector of all things queer and musical? Are you a queer ally in a band and you want a shout out? Just wanna say hello? facebook.com/qwimb

Indie Connect
120 Donelson Pike #201, Nashville, TN 37214
PH: 615-568-4736
Vinny Ribas info@IndieConnect.com
www.indieconnect.com
Members get into meetings and workshops at a reduced rate; have access to an in-depth library of more than 300 instructional articles, videos, tools and podcasts; have access to numerous industry discounts and more. Indie Connect also publishes a free monthly e-magazine with educational videos, articles, and more in it, and hosts a free, music-industry-only online community. facebook.com/IndieConnect

ScoreMore
info@scoremoreshows.com
www.scoremoreshows.com
We realized that the most effective way of making college students feel welcome at events is to throw them. So we began throwing concerts for the students and by the students. Diverse crowds coupled with a fresh outlook on promoting live music allowed the ScoreMore team to quickly make a name for themselves. By joining forces with other successful promoters ScoreMore has established itself in 11 college markets including: Austin, Dallas, Houston, College Station, San Antonio, Oklahoma City, Nashville, Bloomington, Ann Arbor, Champaign, and Little Rock. By providing artists, managers, and agents consistent turnouts through cutting edge promotion, ScoreMore has become one of the most highly touted promotional entities in the country. facebook.com/scoremoreshows @WeScoreMore

Alabama Blues Project
www.alabamablues.org
Dedicated to the preservation of Blues music as a traditional American art form. facebook.com/alabamabluesproject @AlaBluesProject

Ladiesrockthis.com
Nikki Smith ladiesrockthis@gmail.com
www.ladiesrockthis.com
A thriving community of women who play music all over the D.C. Metro Area. Ladiesrockthis.com is a space where women can share their music, network with one another and play shows together. facebook.com/ladiesrockthis @ladiesrockthis

Festival Network Online
PO Box 18839, Asheville, NC 28814
PH: 828-658-2779 FX: 828-645-3374
Julie Cochrane julie@festivalnet.com
www.festivalnet.com
Lists more than 10,000 events throughout the U.S. and Canada seeking performers, from local & regional to national & international. @_festivalnet

6.2 RESOURCES - EDUCATIONAL

The Auspicious Arts Incubator
228 Bank St., South Melbourne, VIC, 3205 Australia
PH: +61 (03) 8682-0470
Craig Lambie info@auspiciousartsincubator.org
www.auspiciousincubator.com.au
We offer a specifically designed, flexible suite of programs that enables each artist to gain practical skills and knowledge to help you form and grow a sustainable small business which will thrive in the competitive market of the arts. We created the Incubator so that artists and arts organizations can get the marketing and business skills that you need. It's real, practical stuff delivered the way us artists like it. As successful practicing artists ourselves we're happy to share the secrets of marketing and business success that will build the capacity of the arts for individuals and as a community. @AAIncubator

CD Baby Podcast
13909 NE Airport Way, Portland, OR 97230
Kevin Breuner podcast@cdbabypodcast.com
www.cdbabypodcast.com
Join CD Baby's Kevin and Chris as they discuss current music news, interview artists and industry professionals, offer tips and tricks to help today's independent musician move their career forward and much more! Interviews about how to be a successful musician without compromising your art. It's a perfect time to take advantage of the many opportunities for Do-It-Yourself artists that are springing up everywhere. @cdbaby @kbreuner

6.3 RESOURCES - TOOLS AND APPS

LISTBABY: your e-mail list mailer
13909 NE Airport Way, Portland, OR 97230
PH: 888-448-6369
hostbaby@hostbaby.com
hostbaby.com/features/listbaby
Instead of sticking everyone you know into "BCC:" field of your e-mail program, an e-mail list manager on your site will let you e-mail some or all of your contacts, using their name right in the e-mail itself. @hostbaby

MyNewsletterBuilder
comments@mynewsletterbuilder.com
www.mynewsletterbuilder.com
A user-friendly, feature-rich, online newsletter management program for novices and professionals alike. facebook.com/MyNewsletterBuilder1

6.4 RESOURCES - AUDIO

Peerless Mastering
1085 Commonwealth Ave. #322, Boston, MA 02215
PH: 617-527-2200
info@peerlessmastering.com
www.peerlessmastering.com
Dedicated to providing the highest quality restoration. We offer the highest quality stereo and 5.1 pre-mastering, CD, CD Enhanced, and DVD-A authoring and full audio restoration. Our staff is exceptional at giving our clients the best quality and service, guiding them through the final phase of their sonic process with ease and expertise. We are uniquely equipped to provide the highest quality mastering available anywhere. We have the expertise, equipment, and skills to achieve the full sound potential of your album. As more and more artists are choosing to record in project and home studios, high-quality professional mastering in an acoustically accurate room has never been more important. Working at Peerless' state-of-the-art studios with our highly trained engineers, you can realize your sonic vision and make your recording sound as full, warm, punchy, and clear as possible. We will guide you through every step of this final phase of your project, and you will be truly amazed when you hear how incredible your music can sound. @PeerlessMaster

6.5 RESOURCES - ORGANIZATIONS

The Holistic HipHop Collective
Heather Mandelkorn holistichiphopcollective@gmail.com
www.holistichiphopcollective.com
Be a part of a group of artists who collectively seek to bring back the essence of the Hip Hop culture to the mainstream through music, fine arts & dance. We are a Collective of artists seeking to both showcase their art and bring back the true essence of Hip Hop to the urban landscape. Artists tired of how the corporate mainstream has stolen the artforms and culture of Hip Hop, are seeking to show the community the true art of Hip Hop in the city. Hip Hop was built on four art forms: the DJ, the Graffiti Artist, The Emcee and the B Boy Dancer. Most of this has been lost in what is shown to the masses but these artists are the true essence of Hip Hop, rising out of the streets with great talent to share. Each member of the collective is an independent artist creating art to inspire and transform lives. facebook.com/holistichiphop

SECTION SEVEN: THIS MONTH'S ARTICLE

Booking Agents Reveal Tour Strategies that Work
by Bernard Baur, Music Connection Magazine
© 2017 All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission

AGENCY FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS (APA)
Adam Brill, Agent
abrill@apa-agency.com
Web: apa-agency.com
Case Study Act: Capital Cities, (capitalcitiesmusic.com)

Founded in 1962 by former MCA executives, Agency for the Performing Arts is one of the largest diversified talent agencies in the Untied States, with headquarters in Beverly Hills, Nashville and New York. Adam Brill's work with up-and-coming artists includes booking Imagine Dragons during the band's early years, plotting strategic touring for AWOLNATION in support of that act's now double-platinum success, and taking Capital Cities to the next level as they played for thousands at festivals and scored a supporting slot on Katy Perry's summer tour.

Would you be attracted to an act that hasn't toured extensively?

It depends on what I see. If I'm passionate about them and see growth potential, I might take them on and develop their market. Of course, it's easier if they already have something going on, like a record deal, publishing deal, manager and so on. In fact, most acts we work with at this agency have those things. What's the key to booking tours?

You need to think one step ahead all the time. So if you're booking a show now, right before you book that show you need to know what your next step is going to be in that market down the road. It's almost like you're planning forward. It's more about the long-term picture than short-term gains.

How should a new act's initial tours be planned?

I like to focus on the act's home market first. Then, I would expand regionally. There's no reason for an emerging act, that's not yet established, to tour the whole country, or even several states. They probably couldn't afford it anyway.

How do most acts finance their first tours?

They save money from their jobs or borrow from friends and relatives. Sponsorships come into play a little further down the line, after the act has gained some exposure and built a buzz. Sometimes a label will help, but they're very specific regarding which tours they'll support. It has to be big enough and in a market they value.

Have performance fees changed much?

They sure have??? Now, a lot of promoters, especially with newer acts, will offer a percentage deal rather than a guarantee. Nowadays, you have to prove yourself before they're willing to pay you. And that could be disastrous if you don't promote your shows well enough.

Do you have a case study act?

It's Capital Cities, an electro-pop-rock-dance act. When I saw them they were just doing clubs, and were starting to get some radio play. I initially followed the airplay and analyzed their social media to determine where they should tour. At first I only booked a few shows because I didn't want to exhaust the market too soon. Eventually we progressed to larger and larger venues, with capacities increasing from 200 to 500 to over 1,000. It took about a year and their single exploded.

Do you have to see a live show before working with an act?

I'm really big on seeing the act play live. It's a pretty big indicator of where they are and where they can go. I need to see it and feel it before I take them on. It's about having the ears and eyes to know that if they tour for a good amount of time--really work at it and hone their craft--they could be playing for 5,000 or more people after a year or so. What would turn you off about an act?

An artist who isn't a team player can be frustrating. If they're not willing to do what it takes to make it as a touring act, I can't help them. I won't argue with them--that's not very constructive. I just won't work with them.

COLLIN ARTISTS Barbara Collin, Founder, Agent
collinartists@gmail.com
Web: collinartists.com
Case Study Act: Street Corner Renaissance, (streetcornerrenaissance.com)

Collin Artists is a boutique company, which enables it to provide a high level of individual attention to established and emerging artists. The company books national and international tours in a variety of venues, including festivals, concerts and clubs. Agency founder Barbara Collin is a faculty instructor at the Musicians Institute where she teaches a class called "Agents & Bookings." Collin also offers a variety of informative workshops and seminars on a regular basis.

What changes have you noticed in the booking and touring business?

After 30 years I've seen a lot of changes. The biggest one involves economics. The marketplace has gotten very tight. Guarantees are down and it's harder than ever to book acts that aren't household names. As a result, it takes a lot more time and effort to book tours that make sense.

Do agents generally specialize in certain genres and acts?

Often it ends up that way when you have success in specific markets. It's just not possible to be an expert in every one of them. It takes time and research to familiarize yourself with the different needs and opportunities each market presents. My areas of expertise include jazz, world, Latin and R&B. But, every once in a while, if you're lucky, you'll come across acts that are so good they take you out of your comfort zone.

Did you ever have an act take you out of your comfort zone?

Yes--it's my "case study" act, a doo-wop a cappella group called Street Corner Renaissance. I was out one day when I heard them singing. They were so good I had to get to know them. I learned that they played local gigs and entered a couple contests. After talking with them, I was sold and offered to work with them--even though I knew nothing about the doo-wop or a cappella markets.

How did you develop your case study act?

I worked with them on their performance and honed their brand. I wanted to get them as much exposure as possible. It took a few years, but I managed to take them from local bookings to national tours and, eventually, had them opening for big name acts.

Were there any challenges you had to overcome?

Yes. Most doo-wop fans like to see known acts that have had hits. But SCR was not a known act. They covered hit songs and had a few originals of their own.

I sold them to promoters by explaining how exciting and fresh their musical approach and live shows were. That got them enough bookings to start them on a roll.

How can artists attract a booking agent?

They need basic tools: a recording, a website, an EPK and a performance video. It's also nice if they have a team around them to help out, like a manager, publicist and attorney. But, most of all, they must be pro-active--they have to work at it and have some idea of what they want. It is also very helpful if they have some touring experience and know which markets we should focus on.

How should a new indie act approach touring?

They should find out everything they can about their market. They can use social media analytics to see where there's a demand. Additionally, new acts need to do a "tour circuit???which means they must return within a reasonable time. That's how you build a fan base and get established. One-offs are a waste and will not sustain fans.

What are the biggest mistakes artists make when contacting you?

They don't do their homework. They need to do research before submitting material. They need to find agents and markets that suit their genre. And, they need to be patient, because it can take a while before any decisions are made.

ARTISTS WORLDWIDE
Chris Maggiore, President, Agent
chris@artists-worldwide.com
Web: artists-worldwide.com
Case Study Act: N/A

Founded in 1999, Artists Worldwide is a talent agency located in Los Angeles with over 50 acts on its roster, including Gilby Clark (G'NR), Puddle of Mudd, Misfits, Yngwie Malmsteen and many more. With over 18 years of experience, Chris Maggiore is the co-owner and president of the agency.

What changes have you noticed in the marketplace?

Fans are not spending as much or going to as many shows. The economy has really affected the tour market, and the competition for dollars is fierce. As a result, some guarantees are not as high as they used to be. Nowadays, you have to be creative in your negotiations to make it work for everyone.

Is there any market that's still strong?

Yes??? artists that appeal to a niche market are holding steady. Acts like the Misfits, punk rock acts and ???80s rockers are doing well. Their guarantees are pretty consistent.

How do you find your talent?

Most of the acts on our roster came to us through prior relationships. I'll hear about artists from managers, labels and even acts we have on our roster. It is almost always by recommendation.

Do you have a case study act?

I did??? but not anymore. They were a Swedish band that I wanted to develop in the U.S. market. They had never been to America before, but I took a chance anyway because I liked the music and the players. We were doing pretty well in certain markets and were starting to get some traction. But before I could break them in this country--they broke up. Now, it's not worth naming them, since they don't exist. You know, it's a tough business and you can't win unless everyone's on the same page.

Were you always an agent?

I started out at record labels. I got to work the whole angle there. In that environment, I learned that you had to let everybody know about your acts and get them excited about doing something for them. That was an important experience and good practice for being an agent. As an agent you also try to get people excited about your acts so they will book them.

Are international tours harder to book?

Not really, because overseas you deal with fewer promoters. One promoter may cover several territories. In the United States, other than the large companies like Live Nation and AEG, promoters frequently work in a small regional market. So, you tend to deal with a lot of different people across the country.

What is your opinion of "Buy-Ons"?

It depends??? if you're buying on a giant tour, it could get expensive. And, if you're going on at 6:30--hours before the headliner???you're wasting money. Sometimes acts will approach us to buy-on a tour or a stop with one of our artists. When that happens I'll talk with the act (or their manager) and see what they think. In that situation, it can be another form of tour income.

What would cause you to drop an act?

If they have unrealistic expectations or are lazy, it can cause problems. If their tour ideas make no sense or their guarantee demands are not realistic, it will be impossible to please them.

To be successful in this business, you not only have to be realistic and honest about yourself, you also have to work your butt off to make it.

COAST TO COAST MUSIC / THE COOL SCHOOL
Chris Fletcher, CEO, Tour Coordinator
ccmusicbooking@gmail.com
Coast to Coast: PositiveMusicPrograms.com
Web: thecoolschool.biz
Case Study Act: We Are The Big Bang, (wearethebigbang.com)

Coast to Coast Music specializes in planning, organizing and booking tours in the college and festival markets. Chris Fletcher is a music industry veteran with over 30 years of experience with indie labels, management, PR, promotions and tour planning. She teaches "Getting Gigs" and "The Touring Musician" at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA, and co-founded The Cool School, which presents lectures, seminars and workshops at affordable prices.

How is your company different from a typical booking agency?

We're a boutique operation that encompasses more than simply booking tours. We like working with new and upcoming talent. We educate and develop them so that they can enjoy financial and musical success. It can take some time, but we have a passion for music and try to keep our roster small enough so that all of our acts get the attention they deserve.

Where should an act tour?

They should initially focus on where a demand is???if there is any. If there's little or no demand, they should start by doing small regional tours around their home base and expand from there. In fact, the college market is a regional market. Most importantly, though, artists should plan to return to the places where they were most successful--every two to three months--or their fans will forget them.

What can artists expect to make on the road?

First of all, touring [for an up-and-coming band] is a promotional activity. Artists tour to expose their music and live performances to new fans. With that said, it can take a while--a year or two--before they start to make real money. You have to be established [in a market] to command large fees. Even so, I won't book a tour unless it at least breaks even. It makes no sense to go on the road and lose money. That's why you should always book an "anchor" gig first--one that will cover most of your expenses--and plan a route around it.

How can you predict expenses?

Travel, food and lodging have to be taken into account. Artists should also consider tour insurance for their gear. Vans are usually $75 to $100 a day, gas can be determined with online fuel calculators and with a little bit of research you can find discounts for lodging and food coupons.

What kind of money can an act make on the college circuit?

They can make anywhere from $200 to over $1,000 per show. California has the lowest fees due to the competition with labels that offer their acts for free. If an act wants to make a living just playing music, they would have to tour six to nine months and do 150 to 200 shows.

What are the advantages of the college market?

Not only do they pay well, they also treat artists nice. Many colleges offer lodging and all of them will feed the acts. Besides, it's a great demographic of potential fans.

What is your case study act?

We Are The Big Bang??? When I met them they were playing local gigs. I set up a showcase at NACA (National Association for Campus Activities) for them, which put them before hundreds of college talent buyers. I then booked street fairs, festivals, wineries and college gigs. We started small and built a buzz.

Were there any challenges in developing your case study act?

Yes... there are six people in the group. That is a lot to put on the road, much more than I usually like. So, we tried several configurations and slowly built a strong enough presence to support so many people. Now, after a couple of years, it's doable.

How is booking for festivals different?

You have to book them long in advance--often a year. Festivals also like acts that have played events, like street fairs and other festivals. To play the large ones you have to start small and work your way up. For California artists interested in developing that market, there's a great site: at-la.com. Just click on "events" and a huge list will appear. Other states also have similar sites.

What would turn you off about an act?

Artists that don't follow up when I need them to will upset me. That's just rude and disrespectful. Even worse, acts that do a bad show will reflect negatively on me. You have to understand that my reputation is important too. If I can't maintain my integrity, with professional acts, it could make it difficult for me to book anyone.

Bernard Baur is an award-winning journalist. Credited with over 1,200 published articles in a variety of publications and general entertainment websites, he is currently Review Editor, A&R Reporter and Features Writer for Music Connection Magazine. With over 20 years in entertainment and music, Bernard has worked with superstars and emerging artists as a Director of Marketing and Promotions, Director of Business Affairs, PR Consultant, Media Liaison and A&R Executive. At Warner Bros. Entertainment, he handled marketing and copywriting for all WB products, including music, television programs, films and DVDs. As a partner in BGO Entertainment Network, he consults for record labels, entertainment firms (music, TV, and Internet) and Minarik Guitars. Bernard has appeared in documentaries; VH1, MTV and CNN specials; and is a frequent participant in music conferences and workshops across the U.S. At MI, he teaches Music Business Basics and Start & Run Your Own Record Label. This article originally appeared in Music Connection Magazine, June, 2015. musicconnection.com/booking-agents-reveal-tour-strategies-work/

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