Music Business Hacks

The Daily Habits of the Self-Made Musician

#243 – How to Tour Lighter

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In today’s episode, we talk about how you can tour with less stuff on the road. Really, you have three options: downsizing your gear, working with a strategic partnership, or borrowing it. What makes the most sense for you?

Resources:

Here are some of my favorite things that are portable and sound great.

Guitar amp: ZT Amplifiers (especially the lunchbox), Fender Mustang III (1×12 is fine)

Bass amps: Markbass CMD121P or Ninja 102 250, Fender Rumble 250. I also love the Sansamp.

Drums: Pearl Compact Traveler busking kit

Episode #3: How to Get a Sponsorship pt. 1 – Creating Partnerships

Episode #22: How to Get a Sponsorship pt. 2 – Making the Approach

Fender Rumble 250

#242 – Music Business Cram School Recap

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Today’s episode is a highlight reel of some of the most important topics covered over the past 16 episodes (at least in my opinion and based on listenership). If you’ve missed some, now is a good time to get a review for a mini-music business cram school.

By the way, be sure to check out We Are the Northern Light’s new single out today! Here’s the link on Spotify

Resources:

Episode #225 – Interview: We Are the Northern Lights

Episode #226 – How to Feel More Fulfillment as an Artist

Episode #227 – How to Provide a Legitimate Excuse and Balance Responsibilities

Episode #228 – How Tim Ferris and Malcolm Gladwell Conquer Fears

Episode #229 – How to Create a Facebook In-Stream Video Ad –

Episode #230 – 5 Things That Prevent Musicians From Growing

Episode #231 – Unique Songwriting Advice from Tom Waits

Episode #232 – How Successful Artists Spend Their Free Time

Episode #233 – The 2 Reasons Why Artists Aren’t Seeing Results on Social Media

Episode #234 – How to Make the Most Out of Small Shows

Episode #235 – There’s More Than One Way Into SXSW

Episode #236 – How Important is Image in Music?

Episode #237 – The Best Non-Music Business Books for Music Business

Episode #238 – How to Use FOMO to Get More Fans to Your Shows

Episode #239 – Who Owns Your Name and Your Music?

Episode #240 – Free Speech and Music: My Speech at Duquesne University

Episode #241 – Self-Care for Introverts Who Tour

#241 – Self-Care for Introverts Who Tour

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Today’s episode is for the introverts out there: you’re not alone (even if you want to be). Touring can be extra tough for us so be sure to pay attention and work on some new habits before you hit the road!

Resources:

My favorite earplugs for sleeping: Mack’s Ultrasoft -32db ear plugs
My favorite eye mask: Bedtime Bliss
Meditation app: Headspace
Book: Quiet – The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain

#239 – Who Owns Your Name and Your Music?

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Today’s episode was inspired by Jet Li: it is a reminder to review who owns what. When it comes to things like your music, your name, and even your images, it’s important to know (and not just assume) who owns what, especially if you have licensing/distribution deals, work in a band or partnership, and are actively touring.

Resources:

Why Jet Li Turned Down the Matrix (article)
Episode #111: How to Get a Registered Trademark
Episode #46: Protecting Your Music Through Copyright Registration
Episode #24: Every Musician Needs an Intraband Agreement

Need an attorney to help you through this all? Try Ron Coleman, he’s the best.

#238 – How to Use FOMO to Get More Fans to Your Shows

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FOMO, or Fear of Missing Out, is a powerful human emotion that gets people to act. Have you ever thought about the principles behind it and how you can use it to sell more tickets, get more fans to sign up on your mailing list, or to help with your crowdfunding campaign? Today, talk about 6 ways you can use FOMO in your music business.

Resources:

Free book: Music Business Hacks

Episode #51: The Science of Persuasion

#237 – The Best Non-Music Business Books for Music Business

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In today’s episode, I talk about my favorite and most influential non-music business books that have radically changed my own outlook and approach to music business.

Resources:

Music Business Hacks (free download!)

Books mentioned:
The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
All Marketers Are Liars by Seth Godin
The Four Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferris
You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero

#236 – How Important is Image in Music?

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Today, we talk about how image impacts music, especially the unconscious signals that we provide to others. Image is more than just the clothes you wear: it also is your venue, your lighting, what the merch tables looks like, and how you physically perform your music. As you think about what image is, consider how you can control the signals you send.

Resources:

Free Book: Music Business Hacks
Akimbo podcast: Honest Signals
Huffington Post article: Musicians’ Appearances Matter More Than Their Sound, Study Suggests

#235 – There’s More Than One Way Into SXSW

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In today’s episode, I go a bit deeper into the idea of finding unconventional ways into the opportunities we’re seeking. Whether it is SXSW, Sundance, or a particular college where you’d like to perform, we should approach opportunities with creativity and enthusiasm.

Resources:

Episode 30: Hacks for Booking Colleges

Episode 165: How to Book Conventions and Trade Shows

#234 – How to Make the Most Out of Small Shows

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This past weekend, I caught an unexpected show while eating dinner at a restaurant. It definitely wasn’t the environment for a performer but many of us have been there before. In today’s episode, we talk about how to make the most out of those situations and turn them around.