How to Make Music that will sell?

Kendrick Lamar NYC In-Store 10/23/12

Did you ask yourself why those who buy music buy music? What people buy when they buy music? do They buy the product “Music and lyrics or the brand (image personality, show)?.  When people buy the last Beyonce on itunes  is it because it is Beyonce (she looks good bootilicious) or because Beyonce’s Music, shows and lyrics are good.?

Why people buy Music and why some artists sell music or other not ?

Let see some example of some artist who have sold and not ? Let’s analyse the album of artists such as Sia, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, and Kendrick Lamar Why those artists sell today? Why people download their music and pay to see them in live ?

If you take the time to listen the albums what do you notice ?:

Kendrick Lamar : When you listen to Kendrick Lamar music and Rap’s lyrics you can feel the talent of writing and the work done in the music production sounds. But why does Kendrick Lamar  makes sold out concerts in UK and USA, France? Let check what the fans says about Kendrick Lamar

Kendrick Lamar makes original creative music and real lyrics, His rap lyrics are engaged and his listeners understand his message. His target market can recognized themselves in his lyrics. Kendrick Lamar is a “Unique product” in the world of Hip Hop he has brung his own personal mark and music identity.

Taylor Switch Album 1989

Taylor Switft’s album it is a commercial music album  with lyrics talking to a specific target. So why does she sell ? is it because the music is good well from my own opinion I did not listen nothing impressive in the music production it is just pop music. Her lyrics is quite adventurous the titles of the album songs is like a long sentence.. She looks good, lovely and have a nice voice. Pop music doll that delivers good show apparently and be pushed by marketing via apple store stories or by being the defender of artists interests against the digital monsters such as itunes, spotify.

Ed Sheeran album X

Nice voice, great music production and lyrics talking to people from love songs to family songs. Mix of acoustic, live music, rap and blues style. That is why his album sell well notably in USA the songs are very personal this album talks to people life directly in every moment of their life.

SIA Album 1000 form of fear

 

Incredible voice,  great concept of lyrics. Her marketing strategy to hide her face to the public when she performs add a kind of mystery to the songs and focus the listeners on the song themselves .But we can not deny that her songs are terrific and talk about specific topic such as drinking and love relationship in a way to make you become a psychologist. make you fear ..

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Groov’Music Marketing Advices

• Define who you are as an artist and what you want to sell to your future fans?
• What music do you want to do? For who and why?
• Elaborate the product (music and lyrics) concept. it must talk to people life, touch people emotion and their everyday life or concern.
• Who your song are talking to? Everybody, woman, man, young people, adults, old people ?             You must know your target market lifestyle, habits and consumption.
• Work your music style and sounds be UNIQUE. Create your own movement.

©2015 July Michelle Galas

 

MEGAN RUGER FEATURED ARTIST JUNE 2015

Megan Ruger

 https://www.meganruger.com

 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4tLW22PT6_tWXcAuTgJWcg

https://soundcloud.com/meganruger/red-by-fred-coury-peter-amato-carly-robyn-green

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Megan is a very passionate lady of Rock&Roll. You just want to say to her after watching her on youtube “Here we go Girl !! ” We wanted to know more about her so we have asked Megan some questions and we certainly received some answers.

Her main challenges: Finance & Recognition of her music genre (Rock & Roll) in Nashville a country music town.

What she wants to achieve with her music: I would like to use my music to travel to schools in every state and give advice to children and teenagers about how important it is to “Follow Your Dreams.

 Main goal: My main goal is to share my music with the world

How can you describe yourself as an artist? As an artist…… I am a fun, bubbly, wild and crazy entertainer! I am super engaging with my crowd and I work the stage with my band. I am constantly trying new things to keep people interested in what I am singing and talking about during my shows. There is never a dull moment around me!

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Megan appeared on season 6 of The Voice which provided her a platform to increase her exposure exponentially. Megan has used the feedback she received from that exposure to  greatly improve upon her craft. I have made some suggestions in the following paragraph that I believe might benefit Megan along her journey.

 

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Advices of Groov’Music Marketing:

Target Market:

Rock-N-Roll music has many different genres. Nashville has always been home to country music but today it has become much more. To deal with the challenges of bringing more rock to a country town, Megan’s natural Country/Rock style is a real asset and a great fit. By continuing to develop her country/rock sound and developing more creative compositions Megan will continue to increase her fan base in Nashville. In order to have wider acceptance in Nashville of her Rock & Roll vibe it will be good to work on the music sounds and find more creative sounds to include with the Rock& Roll. Country Rock is a great genre because it attracts Rock, Country and Pop Music fans. It is a genre where a lot of music fans live.

The songs “Shine The Light, Heart in Flames, and Girl Crush,” certainly exhibit that country rock vibe and have great crossover appeal. Megan being who she is, is always pushing the envelope. My sources are telling me there may be some EDM/COUNTRY/ROCK in her future. That will surely define a new and different vibe.

Live stage presence:

Rock & Roll is a power sound and Megan has a voice that is natural for it. We feel Megan must continue to enhance her performance(stage) movement and use the entire stage from end to end.  As she continues improving her personal style/stage development, we expect to see Megan around for a long long time !

then Heart flames

 

If Megan displays more affirmation but not aggressiveness we feel this will greatly enhance her stage presence.

 

Business & Marketing promotion :

Megan Ruger likes to get involved in project in relation with children in special needs and underprivileged kids.

 

Business & Marketing promotion :

One of Megan’s passions is helping kids, particularly children with special needs and underprivileged kids. The idea we suggest is to create small music events in association with organizations looking after children in Nashville or Twin Lakes, WI. and other towns where she performs or tours so she can create her own movement and at the same time  create business relationships related to her passion.

Megan spends a lot of time on the road and we suggest filming this and also every place she plays lets get video of her interviewing one or two fans and posting this because they too are part of the show! The integration of more creative content will really help to expand her fan base. This we feel would most certainly increase her Twitter Facebook and Youtube following.

Like Megan said  “Chase your dream like a satellite, raising fast into the night, Raise your pistol way up high , and fire that star across the sky.”

Do not miss Megan on her Youtube and Facebook..get her to reach the sky !

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©2015 June Michelle Galas

IF YOU WANT TO GET FEATURED EMAIL US  at info@groovearthrecords.com

FEATURED ARTIST

WE ARE BACK

Are you a Singer Songwriter, Musician, Djs, Music Producer,?

Are you stuck with Creative Ideas to Promote and Market Your Music.

Get Featured and We give you the Groov.

Our Slogan Map Your Music Career Creatively and Strategically.

Email us your Music, at info@groovearthrecords.com and We will get back to  you with more infos

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OUR NEXT  Selected ARTIST JUNE 2015  (Coming soon)

MEGAN RUGER

©May 2015 Written by Michelle Galas

Get Noticed or Get Exposure?

Who does not want to get noticed or get exposure nowadays ? either you are a singer or a songwriter everybody wants to be on the spotlight and make people listen to or read their songs. How many artists in the world are fighting to be on the spotlight but what does that really mean to be on the spotlight and why to be on the spotlight ?

Get Noticed or Get Exposure?

What does that mean “Get Noticed” according to the internet dictionary : To pay attention to or take notice of:, to perceive; become aware of:To acknowledge acquaintance with:  To mention or refer to; point out:

Get  Exposure : The act of exposing, laying open, or uncovering: the sudden exposure of objects that were hidden under the blanket.the fact or state of being exposed, disclosure, as of something private or secret:

After reading those definitions i will keep two points:

• To mention or refer to; point out:
• To disclosure, as of something private or secret:

Get Noticed is NOT get exposure.

You can have your photos or music or songs all over the internet but if nobody pay attention and talk about you (words of mouth) or share your music, songs or photos have you been noticed or you did you just get exposed to their view? Let’s Look some artist who get really noticed and get exposure (get the attention of people for their music and lyrics) or music performance. And why?

SIA:

You all heard about  Sia’s song “Chandelier” why ? Sia has created the media exposure and makes people notice her (talks about her songs) via her music and lyrics but above all the performance of the dancers in the music video “Chandelier” and herself. Her strategy to get noticed is to not show her face when she performs.  Even if she explained that is for personal reason some people think it is a marketing trick to make the media talks about her. Whatever it is you did notice her whatever you like her or not.via the mystery of her face and particular lyrics.

MADONNA.Rebel heart

Madonna has always used controversy to make people pay attention to herself and her music. She has the media exposure of a superstar but to make the media talks about her she uses photos, music videos, and shocking messages. If you look like the photo of her last release album that does not express really the feelings of rebellion (Freedom) but the fact to have your face robbed is an image that have caused scandal but get noticed :). Madonna concept is the preacher who preach a message rebel or not you can not miss to watch her and get curious about what next she will do.

BEYONCE 711 Music video

Beyonce’s video 711 is one of the music video you can not miss Why ?  What does make people like it ? because she is Beyonce or because of the dance choreography ?. i will say not only that but because the video is very creative and talk to everybody . The clap she does at the beginning of the video in the dance choreography makes the video comes out . The music video get noticed and have exposure for sure but we can not deny that Beyonce’s notoriety makes people be curious about her next song or music video. So what about you ? even if you are not signed what can make people want to know about you and be interested in you (music, music video, songs, personality)..hmmm.

Lupe Fiasco

Lupe fiasco has made himself noticed by the media for his lyrics, music.and personality with song as “Deliver”

Lupe Fiasco is a rapper among rappers such as J Cole or  Kendrick Lamar who make himself get noticed by the authenticity of their lyrics and their music. That is another way to obtain exposure.

What about you how make sure that your Lyrics and music will get Noticed and by who ? and what exposure you want to achieve and get from them? try to think about that so you can really know the direction of your music career.

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Groov’Marketing advises

To get Exposure you must be Noticed (get attention)

• Make good songs (lyric) and work on the music (original sound, melodies)
• Make a creative music video (ideas out of the box) find something that will make people talk about the music video and share it
• Work on your ideas Be creative with your ideas of promotion such as your offline or online content (photos, music, lyrics) and think about what will make people talk about you and what you sing about
• Get Notice (Make people  mention or refer to; point out you) find something they will talk about
• Create the exposure (disclosure, as of something private or secret)

©February 2015 Written by Michelle Galas

Music Notoriety or Credibility ?

Why ask our self this question today ? Because so much artists are famous but is their fame Real and Credible ? huh!! People knows most of the time an artist via the Media (TV,Radio, Internet) or live performance or show. The media makes an artist get known or and become famous but what make an artist be Credible today? Let’s read the definition of both words according to Wikipedia: Notoriety “is the state of being famous or well known for some bad quality or deed.” The Credibility is ” the quality of being trusted and believed in”

So what make People believe in some artists and not other? why some artists are more credible than others ? What make an artist credible (Music?, Style? Song’s lyrics?, personality? Image?.personality) why people call some artist “Fake” and some other artists “Real”.? Why to be famous does not make some artists credible ?

Let’s see the examples of some artists

Madonna and Lady Gaga

When people talks about Lady Gaga they talks about her voice, her talents and her songs.

When people talks about Madonna they talks about her business side and her reinvention method to remain in the game of the music business for so long , her tours (live performance) but not really her voice and music talents.

Who is credible  artistically? Lady Gaga or Madonna ? What do we call credible in their case?  What credibility means for Madonna and Lady Gaga as an artist? The amount of music and tour sold by Madonna or the appreciation of the voice  and talent of Lady Gaga?. The last Madonna album “Rebel Heart” did not sell well on itunes and also the previous one MDNA, some people says Madonna is not Credible anymore ? even if she is working with the best music producers, songwriters and artists. She is not the Madonna of before ? Does she lost her musical or artistic credibility?

Other Artists  let’s see :Iggy azalea and Azealia banks

They are both female rapper so why people do not trust the talent of Iggy Azalea but the one of Azealia Banks? Why People do not believe Iggy is a or can be a good or real rapper ? questions we have to ask ourselves ?

• What make a rapper credible today in 2015?
• Why other artists do not believe Iggy is Real?
• Is to be credible as a rapper is to have grown in the hip hop sound and culture ?
• What make a rapper be real today? the sounds the way to say the lyrics?

do you need only to rap about the black situations or only use the hip hop sound and culture to be call “Real Rapper”? Does Iggy Azaela reply to those criterias ? people will say No. So why people buy her music and go on her concert ? because she entertain or because she is a white girl rapping?  Does iggy is the white feminine version of Eminem.?What is rapping? How to rap? Who can show you know how to rap? Does rap is the way you make the words sounds when you prononce it or the style of it (performance, gesture)?

 Another example of credibility via notoriety.

Paris Hilton as a Dj,.Most of the people i have spoken to about this laugh about it, some of them just do not believe that is true.

The popularity(notoriety) of Miss Hilton does not give her respect  as a DJ because she may be rich but she does not have the experience as a DJ and she is not known as a DJ but as a personality who comes from a rich family and earn a living by doing all kind of businesses. Can she be a DJ one day ? oh oh!

So the credibility of an artist is also based on the experience of the artist doing what they are good to.  More experience you have in the game as they say more you will be respected and credible. People will trust you and see that you do what you preach and say.

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Kendrick Lamar and Jay Z.?

Who is credible artistically ? Kendrick or Jay Z.? Some people say Kendrick because of the deep meaning of his lyrics and creative music and they think Jay Z is more about a commercial marketing Rapper. What do you think?

Well Jay Z has proved us and himself as a business man but some people do not give him credit as a rapper and said because he is famous as business man that cover his rap credibility. What do you think ?

Does the result of what you do give you credibility in what you do and who you are ? What make people believe in “You” and what you do ? Money (sale of music) Tours sold out, Fame

Why people come to your concert because they like your music and lyrics or because of the image your portray of you as Human being (personality) as a Businessman or A Business Man. An artist or an artist business.? are you a role character or yourself what make you Credible to your fans.?

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Groov’Music Marketing Advices.

To Be credible :

• Be Yourself Be REAL
• Work hard your music, voice, live performance and get strong experience to get respected
• Do not imitate other artists Be Unique
• Express you real personality via your songs and music
• Give people Real stuff not fake stuff
• Use the notoriety or exposure you have to show people who you Really are
• Use Notoriety to promote a Real Music Product (Yourself)

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©2015 January Written by Michelle Galas.

Give me your opinion, comments, critics and more…

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How to become a “BrandArtist.”

What is it a brand today? Most ordinary people will tell you it is a sign (logo) that everyone knows, something or someone that represents what people knows, likes and buys. I will not go further in a detailed explanation of the word “brand” you can find it all over the internet.

But what I am interested in is why an artist and how an artist can become a brand and interest brands. Whatever singer songwriter, songwriter, musician;What it is to be an “artist brand today”.?

If you name the names of the following artists : Beyonce? Rihanna, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Jay Z, Miley Cyrus, Witney Houston? What word, adjectives come in your head ? What do you think about them? How do you describe them? What do they represent for you?

People have various opinions about one artist. But what we will focus on is what brand looking for in artists brand. Let’s check about Artists such as Beyonce, Rihanna or even an unsigned artist ? Let’s look at the last deal of Beyonce with top shop a 50/50 to launch a new sport wear collection. Why do you think a brand like Top Shop has chosen Beyonce ? is it because they like her music? her personality? because she is famous and sell out her tour. Why??

A lot of brands nowadays are embracing music to promote their products or services why such interests about music and the use of artist.?; Because Artists has already a relevant fanbase that can become the next or future consumers of another corporate brand, so the artist become the ambassadors (representant) of the brand but before to be ambassadors you must be a brand yourself. How to become a brand? Let see the case of Beyonce:

Beyonce:

• What Beyonce sing about ? =women/feminist
• How Beyonce get dressed ? =Sexy , classy.
• What kind of artist Beyonce is ? = (performer, singer, dancer)
• What race Beyonce is ? =Black
• What is Beyonce target market ? = Women.

So why Top shop did not select Madonna or Pink to represent a brand new sport wear.? They are active and sport ladies and famous artists too?. Let’s do like we are Top Shop? Why will we choose Beyonce?

Beyonce is a beautiful and successful black young lady.and she is a work out lady (dancer, performer) so she represents sport, and beauty but she is black hmmm..Let’s look at what is going on in the black community in relation with sport.

According to the statistic http://www.fitness.gov/resource-center/facts-and-statistics/  The statistic also shows that obesity rate is higher in the black community in USA; Plus the USA government has started a campaign to fight obesity with Michelle Obama program “Let’s Move” that target most of all the black community and the president is black hmm 🙂

African American Black women have a deep problem of obesity and obesity is also a crucial problem for the health department. Who do you think Top Shop will select to represent a collection of sport wear ??  Miss Beyonce because she is the artist on the top and fit well to the project. Beyonce is on the top of her music career right now and the target market of Top Shop is young ladies and Beyonce has also  started a fashion business with her own mum.

Let’s check Puff Daddy..

•  Who is Puff Daddy? Rapper, entrepreneur, business man
• Why does he promote Vodka?
• Does black people drink Vodka ?
• What Puff Daddy want to show his fans here?
• Does rap culture like and drink vodka?

Some brand such as Ciroc Vodka want to promote a lifestyle according to the article: http://theblackowlagency.com/marketing/lifestyle-marketing/ The brand Ciroc spend almost an extra 40% more marketing yearly to market to club and party goers.

So what does Mr Diddy do most the time Mr Diddy spends his time partying and black people lifestyle like party too (go to clubs). Does Mr Diddy promote Vodka for for his own personal business or to be an ambassador of the brand for the black community.? or both hmm

What about you unsigned artist? You wonder what that bring to you? you do not have a hit yet. You just trying to build your fanbase but did you think about what is your life style and what products in your area is reflected it? hmm do not need to be Beyonce and Puff Daddy? Dare to Groov!

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Groov’Music Marketing Advices

• What artist are you?(entertainer, songwriter, singer songwriter, performer (actor/dancers)
• What do you like in life  that you can convert in business in the future?
• What is your life style?
• What brand relates to your life style
• Who is your target market  and what do they like?
• What product you think can be related to you and for what reasons? (business , good deal or image reputation?)
• Make sure you are fitting with the brand your represent.

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©2014 December Written by Michelle Galas.

Give me your opinion, comments

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Promote Your Personality in Your Music

Promote your personality in your music what does that mean? As usual I never forget to check what a word means before I start to do the analysis of artists’s marketing and promotion examples. According to Wikipedia :The word Personality means: individual differences among people in behavior patterns, cognition and emotion</em>. One of the definition I decide to keep.

First as always you need to know why you do music for ? and the purpose you want your music and songs have?.

Are you making music according to the fans/market statistics results? or do you just want to be “You “and express your personal life or emotions in the music and lyrics? if so you are using your personality (who you are ?).
I have met a lot of artists that do not know who are they?and why they do music for ? or are confused about what ways to use to attract the attention of the fans or the media?. Some of them want the fame, money and are ready to compromise their “Real You” or they know they have a talent and they want this talent be recognised and paid for it or they sing whatever they want because of their strong inner passion for music.
When you ask some artists when people tell their name what adjective they want they say about them? most of the time they do not know or they tell what they want people say but most of the time people do not have the same perception about the artist image, music and lyrics or what the artist want really to portray. So how to be sure that what you want to portray is what you want people understand about you and your music ?. Let’s see some artists example such as :

Eminem : Lyrics stories seller.
If you listen to Eminem music without watching his music video today you will notice his lyrics are talking about his personal life and moments states. Some of you think he is either a rebellious guy or someone who always want to fans talks. He is a very lyrical personal artist rapper indeed and his lyrics talks to people. With a song such as like “loose yourself” everybody can recognize themselves this rap talks to anyone who wants to make something happen in their life whatever it is that also represent the American dream “Just do it”does not matter what ?.
What do the Product “Eminem” sell? not image but lyric. The words of Eminem make him sell stories or personal deep matterS. Video:

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Madonna : Personality/Live performance seller.

When you think about Madonna you think about the woman behind the music. The music business woman, the “Material Girl” (everything she does she makes money with it) a woman of 55 years old with various Grammy awards. What about her music ? Some songs have made the history and the chart but the personality and life style of Madonna sell more “Madonna” than her music today. For example she uses her own habits such as the gym and exercises to make a business of it with branches all over the world. Hard candy Fitness.
We can often forget about her music (holiday..Celebrate.Madonna’song Oops!.)

 

Rihanna : Songs and Image seller

What personality Rihanna has in the music industry and for the fans ? What the fans think and the music industry are completely different. The fans (consumers) like the songs buy the tickets to see her perform but do they really buy Rihanna ? What impact Rihanna has on music and people ? What Rihanna is selling?
Rihanna sells songs and music not herself she is just a performer she portrays this more than her own personality (identity). I can not really think about Rihanna as her “ personality lady” that impact the world of music expect the world of music selling.

Rihanna marketing is to sell various genre of music and songs but does she express herself as an artist Who is she really what is her real message for the society today ? Video: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2425792/Rihanna-pays-tribute-fans-new-documentary-Half-Of-Me.html

Niki Minaj: Image seller via Music
has Niki Minaj got a personality or does he represent a character a Doll ? and now a Sex Symbol? From the doll image that rap like a parrot to the image of hip hop sexy girl ; 

 

She is now a anaconda (title of her new single out) What can we say about Nicki Minaj? What does Nicki minaj sells ? her music, her body, her image. ? does her image represent her personality (who is she really ?) what has she different from other hip hop female rappers who had sex image before her ? Sex sell people/music business say but does her personality represents the USA black Woman who like hip hop what about outside USA .? The image of hip hop female rappers has always been in relation with sex from Lil kim to Now Nicki Minaj I will say Nicki Minaj image is to sell sex via hip hop music and lyrics.
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Groov’Music Marketing advices:

1. Do you know who you are ? (What do you like and don’t like in life?, your habits?, your life principles? what you like in the society and the world ? and why you are interested in such or such matter ? it is for business purpose or because of passion or love ?)
2. Why do you want to sell “You”, “Your personality”, “Your image” (clothes, accessories, behaviours, talking)
3. If you are a rapper what do you rap about and why ? it is about yourself because you are pride of yourself or you want to be a model for people or the world?
4. Who is going to be touched by what you sing/rap about and why.? Are you going to follow the music and society trend or just be “You “ or use your own personality to make people know you as an artist?.
5. How are you going to promote your personality ? via lyrics music, live performance or other? Or just deny who you are and be a character?
6. Why do the fans like you for your image or for you (the real you)?

Just sit down and ask yourself this question “ have I got a personality and how can I use it ?.
Give me your opinions Groov’it.
©2014 July Michelle Galas

Are you A Music or Image Product ?

Today we can notice how image are used to market and promote an artist music. But what is more put in front is it the image more than the music or the music more than the image or both and why?

Are you a Music Product?

Music for the music business (record label, music publisher, Film, games, radios) is a product to sell or use to attract more audience for another source of revenue (online datas , media Audiences).

Some think more the music is known more it can sell but it is not all the time the case that why the image matter is needed for some artists to sell. Today if a song sells without an image (music video, artist looks, Artist photos, live music performance/show) that must be a very special song !!.

If you take some examples of artists today such as Miley Cyrus or the Djs you can see the difference between both strategies.

Miley Cyrus= Music Image product.

When you think Miley Cyrus some people think more about her tongue gesture more than her songs and the media knows what job they have done to attract the attention of people on Miley Cyrus looks and shows more than the music itself. Without the show she has done on the MTV Music Awards 2013 do you think she can attract the attention with her songs and music alone? Why put her tongue out what is the reason?

How her “tongue” can make her fans buy or become loyal fans? The entertainment and show but do that give Miley Cyrus credibility as an artist or as an entertainment.?

Miley Cyrus is a business we can not deny that but what music is about today a product or the music ? it is all about Attention

The rolling stone has also a logo such as a tongue too. The tongue is apparently something to not show !! but when you show it that grad attention it is about attention.

 

Gaga=Music Image Product

When you think about Lady Gaga you think about her dresses, outfi and Live music appearance even if there are some of her songs in your head..What does Lady Gaga sells music or image or both and why does she needs to sell her image.? She is a very talented musician (piano player) so why not do music only?

Djs= Music Product

The Djs do not sing but they play music to a crowd they are more music product and sometimes image product with merchandising such as Dj deamau5 When you think about a Dj do you think about music or do you think about the merchandise.? When you read all the business of Deadmau5 (deadmouse) you notice that most of his revenue comes from DJ live appearance but most from merchandising and other brand deals. His own label has a massive merchandise licensing deal with live nation.

What about you Unsigned artists?

What do you want to sell and be ? an Image Product or Music Product or both?

Groov’Music Marketing advices

• Think about what do you want to sell Music or Image or both?
• Think about what percentage do you want the Music has in your image concept?
• Why do you need an image for? (to attract the attention ?, to make other business from it? or because you like to get noticed to attract the attention of the media?)
• Why do you put your image or Music first to grad the media attention?
• Know yourself and be real.
• Know your music target market and what they like before you create your image and music and think what is the best for your to expose.

Give me your opinion start to Groov’With Me.

 

©2014 Michelle Galas

 

Make the Buzz for your Fans or the Media ?

Each time you do a song  (music and lyrics) you wonder how can you attract the attention but do you know who do you want to attract the attention to your fans or the Media or both.?

Before I reply to this question, As usual we are going to start by remind us what does that mean the word “Media”. A general definition of the word “Media” given by internet is “Media” means Mass communication (TV, Radio newspaper). If we focus on the Mass Media and the  word “Mass”  you will ask yourself what does mean to communicate music and songs to people (the Mass)? Is it  only to use the medium (radio, TV, internet and the Newspaper) to show people what you do and who you are (Make noise to be noticed) or is it tools you use to spread a message and get the media attention?

If we say communicate music and songs to people what does that mean ? communication is to share a message with someone then Listen to the feedback and then share again it is an interaction. How do you communicate about yourself, your music and your lyrics?  Let’s watch some example of signed artist to understand their communication and why they do what they do ?

Cyrus Miley:

if we take as example  Cyrus Miley’s live performance at the MTV Awards 2013. This performance has made TV, Magazine, Radio, Social media talked about her and her live performance. That has made the buzz without a doubt !!.

But what Cyrus Miley has communicated to people and her fans ?. Did she communicate her image, music and songs or did she do a show to attract the viewers and audience for the TV Channel and get media exposure ?. What do people think about her performance ? do they talk about the song and lyrics and the music ?  No People talk more about her gestures on stage.

Why did she do this? To make the media talks about her ? to promote the song? (I doubt) or to make audience for the TV ?. The record company marketing department will reply not me. What about you unsigned artist who are working hard to make your music be known and notice are you going to do the same to be noticed? What do you want to communicate to your fans? How are you going to communicate with your fans? via your music, your lyrics or your image? Or your live performance? What will be your main focus? What is the main focus for you as an artist?

Another example : Kanye West

When you think about Kanye west you think about a controversial artist doing music and lyrics with very specific messages. What is the purpose of Kanye West ? what messages does he wants to communicate to people and the Media.? If we look at his last album Yeezus ? what is the message of this album title? How did he communicate this album with people and his fans? Why this title? Does that mean something for him or it is pure marketing plan ideas. or a character image he want to portray to people (his fans)?

To promote his music Kany West has selected new ideas such has shown his video on wall of various 66 city. Kanye West premieres a new song “Slaves”  across the globe projected on 66 walls in NYC – Miami – Toronto – Chicago – LA – San Francisco – Sydney – Paris – Berlin – London

What is the purpose of that ?  is it pure creativity or that goes with his image or the title of his album concept?.. do the fans really care about that or does he wans the media talk bout his single marketing strategy?

What you must think by reading and seeing those examples is why those artists uses such or such media and way to communicate their music is it because of their target market lifestyle or it is to impress and create the buzz (make noise and the media talks about them) ? So do you promote music to make the buzz for the media or for your fans?

The Fans  (the consumers) :

The fans are the ones who will buy your music and come to your tours or live performance so if you know them (age, location, habits, lifestyle, consumption,) you will do music for them and lyrics they can understand or you will create something new for them to impress their ears and eyes via your music, your music video and use creativity to communicate your music and yourself to them but be careful to not shock them to much and not make them happy or make them aware about something they do no know.

The  Mass Media(the buyers/users) :

The Mass Media (offline National TV, Radio) are there to use your music and make their business with it to get audience (listeners for radio, viewers for TV). So you music video or music must make people talk about you and want to see or listen to you except if you know someone (connection) in the media (TV, Radio) that will open the door for you with whatever you got. They expect your music , your lyrics, music video, live performance reply to their principles and policy so check well who you send your music to., Do business with the Media know what they want and then think if you are ready to compromise or be yourself.

Groov’Music Marketing advises:

Before you promote your music and songs ask yourselves those questions ?

• Who do you want to impress the Media or your fans?
• Who are your fans? Can you find what they like and do not like (their lifestyle, their gender, their age) if not what other way can you use to know who are they?
• What is the Media you want to send your music and why?
• Why do you want to get noticed, to get signed, for fame, to get money or because you just want people know your talents and who you are ? or to be a brand people do not forget.
• What Media do you must choose? Offline or online or both and why?
• Who do you want to impress ? With what ? do you  want to impress the public and your  fans (with music, image, body, lyrics, story etc..) for who do you do your music ? is it for the media or my fans?
• What will you  get from the Media if my your name make noise? money, a future deal, networking, more fans ?)

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Give your comments . Groov’With Me.

© 2014 Michelle Galas

 

Create Buzz with your music Like a Bee?

We like to understand the words that we use so that we can define their real meaning and implement them in the music business. “Buzz” is loosely defined as “Excitement” or “Feeling when high”, Snoop Dogg’s would be proud of us.

According to a definition: Bees are simply flying, during which time; the wings are vibrating very fast. But bees will also buzz at other times, and the tone of the buzzing may alter. For example, they seem to buzz more aggressively if their nests are disturbed, or if they are disrupted during foraging. They will also buzz more aggressively if attacked or defending themselves from predators or during conflict with other members of the colony, such as the queen. http://www.buzzaboutbees.net/why-do-bees-buzz.html

What “Buzz” do you want to give to people with your Music? Aggressive or just make noise (without following)! To make your music and lyrics make noise you have to be noticed by people and the music business. How does an artist get noticed in this over saturated music industry? I am sure you have already read about this everywhere. Your music, your lyrics and your identity (image) must attract people attention. Let’s take the example of the bees. When a bee is around you seem to pick up on the buzzing sound that they emit. Your ears are drawn to the buzzing sensation. So what does that mean for you unsigned artists?

First of all, you must think about who you are? What you have and can realistically do. You must think about how you can attract the attention of people with your identity and your music. You can watch and read about other artists who are making noise. You can emulate these artists as well. Your research will yield a lot of results. You will find out that these artists are signed to a record label, these artists are also promoted and these artists have a strong Social Media presence.

What I am going to tell you is that you do not need that. You have your music and lyrics and yourself so how can you attract the attention of people right now. One of the definitions of the word “ Buzz “ is the following: To make people excited by something. (Make noise) make people talk about you and your music. Your music and lyrics have to excite people and grab their attention. We must look at some existing examples and see if they can help you to think for yourself. Some artist to get notice use the following: Controversy:

Madonna and Lady Gaga are artists who use a lot of controversy to make people and the media talks about them and their music. Controversy can be positive or negative if you know your target market and what really appeals to their curiosity. The controversy must be used via the music, the lyrics and your identity. Controversy means :

1. A public dispute concerning a matter of opinion.

2. Contention, strife, or argument.

Do you need to create a buzz with controversy? Attracting the attention of media via what you say and do does not go with the norms of society. What controversy do you want to use and for what purpose. Let’s watch what buzz Chris Ross make as a controversy, is it on purpose or for publicity?

Use your Live performance, You can work on your live performance and make it exciting so people and media talk about it. Some artists like to shock their audience with their live performance Example : Miley Cyrus.. Miley Cyrus has used live performance and provocation to attract the attention of people and the media so the media can talk about her all over internet, print and TV. Her aim get the attention:

As an artist do you really need provocation to make the media talk about you up? All depends on what you want to achieve.

Use Public relation strategy

Some artists use public relations and are ready to create a story or gossip to make the media talk about them especially when the artist has nothing interesting to share. So to make the buzz you can use controversy, create a story around your music or lyrics and even make a story about your next release. The public will decide if it is true or false. False stories are usually accompanied with a lot of press. This press can be deceiving and cause the audience to pick sides to determine the validity of the story. Some artists use their own personal life as an attempt to create buzz. Chris Brown will utilize this concept for his next album called X. Chris Brown’s high profile relationships with Rihanna and Karrueche Tran are the focal point for his upcoming album. This method is used to build anticipation and excitement.

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Groov’Music Marketing Advices:

To create the buzz with your music and yourself we advise you :

• To know what your target market will like

• To know what attracts their attention (know their life style and their habits and who they are, what they buy and watch on TV).

• Create something new (music, image) that can impact people

• Give people what you want, make them become followers of your principle, your movement.

• You can be yourself (Be real, natural) or create a character (i.e., Nikki Minaj, Lady Gaga or Madonna)

• Select your media to market and promote your music

• Research media (TV, Magazine online or offline) and bloggers, contact them to cover your efforts.

• Create stories or be real.

• Find creative ideas to express yourself, your music and promote your music.

• Make sure the buzz remains constant not only for one release but throughout your release.

• Write your strategy, plan and stick to it… I defined what the word buzz means, now it is your turn to show how you will impact the world. ……………………………………

Tell me what do you think, comments and more

Groov’With Me.

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©2013Michelle Galas