We'll keep you posted on developments! And above all, have a happy and safe new year!
POSTED BY CHRIS, December 30, 2004 | 0 comments
POSTED BY CHRIS, December 27, 2004 | 0 comments
POSTED BY CHRIS, December 24, 2004 | 0 comments
POSTED BY CHRIS, December 23, 2004 | 0 comments
POSTED BY CHRIS, December 22, 2004 | 0 comments
New photo gallery features added
We added two member-requested features to the photo galleries. First, you can now change the order of the photos in the galleries. Second, we've added more flexible layouts for the gallery photos.
POSTED BY CHRIS, December 21, 2004 | 0 comments
This How To article was kindly brought to you by Keif
I realize that with Bandzoogle being a web based company a lot of emphasis on whatever I discuss is placed on things that are internet related. I'm constantly suggesting how to make your site better, but this week I would like to concentrate on something that, although relevant to your website, is very important in the real world - Your press kit.
Most bands think of a press kit as the one thing that will introduce them to an A&R rep, but press kit uses go beyond that. If anything, press kits barely play any role to an A&R rep. The internet and email has nearly replaced the conventional press kit. Now all you need to do is direct someone to your website and all the info is there. While this might be true, it is still nice to have a real CD that you can pop into a home stereo or in your car. So press kits are not completely useless.
Press kits come in very handy for people in the media, agents, managers, and venues. When was the last time you saw a computer connected to the internet in a bar?
So let's talk about what a press kit should include.
Demo CD
Duh? No press kit should be without a demo CD. There are two schools of thought when trying to determine how many songs should be put on the CD. Many will tell you to put only 3 songs. Some will say put all your songs, but make sure to put the best 3 tracks first. The truth is if you include more than 3 songs you are giving too much away. Sure you might have 10 songs and feel confident about all of them, but it's not only about how good all your songs are. It's about trying to give people a reason for contacting you and asking if there is more that they can hear.
Make sure the demo is of the highest quality. It doesn't have to have been recorded in a million dollar studio, but it better sound damn good. Never give A&R reps the benefit of the doubt. Don?t think that they can see past the production quality and hear the song for what it is. I?d never give an A&R rep that much credit and neither should you.
Make sure the CD is properly labeled. Make sure the track names are clear and that there is a contact number and email address. It is so easy to separate a CD from the rest of the press kit, so label your CD!
Photograph
Don't hate me because I'm beautiful.
Make sure people know what you look like. It's cool and all to include live shots, but that's not the purpose of a press photo. The purpose is to allow people to put a face to a voice. Make sure you point out who is who in the photo. I've seen too many photos of bands only to ask "who's the singer?" or "who's the guitar player?"
These days computer printers can print some pretty high quality photos, but do not send photo copies or cheap prints on regular paper.
Your press photo portrays your bands image. Make sure that the appropriate message is sent across. Look at your favorite music magazines for ideas. Be very aware of the composition of your photos. Pay attention to how each member is positioned, the background, the lighting, etc. Make sure it's the standard size (8"x10") and that clear contact information (contact name, phone number, email address, web address) is at the bottom or on the flip side.
Biography
This is usually tough to do, but is a necessary evil. Make sure you keep to 500 words or less. You're not writing a book, just a short story about how the band formed and some of your more important or unique accomplishments. Avoid using general adjectives and big words.
Treat your bio how you would a hit song - hooks. You have to keep your reader interested. You have to ask yourself if what you are writing is "news worthy "?. It's about selling a story. If there is nothing interesting to be said about your band, then nothing will be said at all.
I've always included a timeline or fact sheet with my press kits for quick viewing. Sometimes interviewers do not have time to look over your whole press kit and a quick point by point fact sheet can save the day. Keep this limited to one page.
Press Clippings
If you have received any press on your band, make sure to include them with your press kit. Try to stay within any press that is relevant. Even bad publicity is publicity. Avoid including too much because you'll only overload people. If your band is listed in your local weekly paper, it doesn't constitute as press.
Cover Letter
Always include a dated cover letter. This will help to track when the package was created and sent out. It will also allow you to express to the recipient of your press kit for what reason you have sent one. Tell exactly why you sent them the package and what you want from them. Be specific. If you want a publishing and not a record deal, then state that. If you want to open for an already established local act instead of trying to headline a show of your own, then tell them. No one's a mind reader. Unless you clearly state your business people won't know what to do with your press kit. It's as good as garbage.
Make sure to include all the appropriate contacts in your letter and try to do a follow up phone call in a few weeks.
POSTED BY KEIF, December 17, 2004 | 2 comments
POSTED BY CHRIS, December 16, 2004 | 0 comments
POSTED BY CHRIS, December 14, 2004 | 0 comments
How To Conduct An Effective E-Team
This How to was brought to you by Keif
By now most of you have heard of the term "Street Team". If you haven't, then here's a little 411. Street teams are a group of music fans that are willing to spread the word about your band on the street. They tend to want to hand out band swag (Cds, stickers, pins, flyers) to friends, family members, and other aquaintances or music lovers. In most cases, street teamers are rewarded by special prize packs, pre-sale tickets, exclusive contests to meet the band, ect... Never by monetary means.
Not everyone has what it takes to be a street teamer. It takes a loyal and dedicated fan to be a true street teamer. In many cases it also involves having people skills. You can be shy and run away from people. You have to be a little more upfront than that. But just because someone is shy doesn't mean they can't help your band.
Welcome to the concept of the e-team. The idea of an e-team is pretty much the same as a street team except e-teamers spread the word online rather than on the streets. This tends to be a little more accessible than a street teams. Fans can now do most of the work from their computers. It's also a cost efficient alternative to a real street team.
Street teams require a budget in order to print out stickers, send out posters, give away cds, ect... E-teams don't require you to break the bank, although if there's any way to pump some money into your e-team efforts, I would suggest that you do.
There's a lot of avenues for promotion online. You should not take this point for granted. Conducting an e-team doesn't cost a lot, is relatively easy to do, and can be very effective in promoting your band.
So what should you have members of your e-team do for you? The major thing I would suggest getting your e-teamers to do is to request your song or video to as many stations as possible. This is if you have a song or video being played, of course. If there are video and radio stations paying your song, I would find out if they have a website and special request page. If they do, provide a link for it on your e-team page.
Another suggestion would be to get your e-teamers to spread messages on various music forums. Most forums/message boards are divided by region or interest. A search for key message boards or forums online would be nice. Sometimes this can be a very long and tedious thing to do. Allows your e-teamers to explore and hit forums that they might already be familiar with. Chances are, someone in California visits different forums than someone in New York.
If your fan base consists of mostly teenagers, then there's a good chance that they chat online with friends that are not necessarily in the same country. So get them to chat about your band.
Distribute MP3s of your best song. There's a large debate amongst people on whether they stand to benefit from giving their song away. Sit back and think for a minute. If no one hears you, can you still get famous? Give away MP3s of your best tunes to your e-team. This way they can burn their own copies or email your songs to their friends. Yes, the very friends that they might be chatting with from across the world.
These are just some suggestions on what you can do, but sometimes it really depends on the type of band you're in. Use your own creativity and judgment when making e-team missions. And remember, don't give anyone the benefit of the doubt. Always clearly suggest what to do and never assume anything of anybody.
Keep things fun and interactive. Nothing in life is free. Don't expect people to anything for you if you don't do something in return. Give e-teamers stickers and/or CDs. Email them about shows in advance and put them on your guest list. If you have posters, get the band members to sign them and send those out too. Remember, there are a few costs involved. There will always be costs involved but, if you don't bother to invest in yourselves, no one else will.
POSTED BY KEIF, December 10, 2004 | 1 comment
MAC + FireFox friendly text editor added!
Finally, the text boxes work on MACs and FireFox! Woo hoo! MAC users need to use a more recent OS however.... on OS 9 it only works with Mozilla 1.3.1 or later. For OS 10 need Netscape 7.2, Mozilla 1.7 or later, or FireFox. Let us know if you run into any trouble with them.
POSTED BY CHRIS, December 10, 2004 | 0 comments
New music player almost complete!
We'll post it in the news section for you to test out and comment on tomorrow. Some new features:
POSTED BY CHRIS, December 08, 2004 | 1 comment
POSTED BY CHRIS, December 03, 2004 | 0 comments
POSTED BY CHRIS, December 01, 2004 | 0 comments
