Dealing with failure and rejection.

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm"
- Sir Winston Churchill

Here's an issue I want to touch on today since it affects many aspiring musicians.
you know the scenario...
You've sent off that top recording or demo, entered that competition or applied for that band position...
You were sure your art was a hit.
The answer you got back.... Drum roll please... was a um no, or worse still a no reply.
You are devastated... Your big break dissolved into smoke and gone.
You'll never be a performer again.
Goodbye cruel world...
And you hold a pity party where everyone is invited (but nobody shows).

Before you crawl back into your shell - here are a few pointers to get you back on track.

1.
Maintain a good attitude and don't take it as a personal attack.
Don't get angry and start spouting off about the rotten deal you got - yes I know it is upsetting, but venting your anger at judges or record companies is not going to help - in fact a bad attitude and inability to deal with criticism will kill your opportunities quicker than anything I know of.
If you get a reputation as a spoilt brat - unwilling to learn thinking everyone else needs to change (except you) then no-one will want to work with you.

2.
Apply what you have learned - ask for feedback - where do I need to improve?
Remember to be a student not a star.
Identify where you need to change.
Most people are not out to get you and will gladly offer helpful advice if you ask for it.

3.
Get more feedback from other sources to see if you can hit on some common denominators (Not from your friends who tell you you sound great).
Join a music community and find mentors that will offer constructive criticism.
Need to go to music school to learn some more skills?

4.
Use your failure as FUEL.

Find out where you went wrong (get feedback from several sources, mentors, competition results etc).

Use the opportunity to grow in your character and resolve to do better.

Educate yourself with knowledge and skills (songwriting, vocals, composition, playing skills).

Learn to apply all of the above in your daily practice, dealing with people, and developing your art to a higher standard.

I personally have faced rejection from record companies, stores that won't sell my albums etc, but that hasn't stopped me.
I have established myself now, proven I can sell more than just a couple of CD's and am continuing to grow and expand.
You can too if you are willing to learn.

To your music success.
Mark

"How To Reduce Feedback When You Play"

If you've performed live on stage or even a casual jam with your friends at band practice -- one of the most annoying things guitarists have is a thing called FEEDBACK!

If you don't know what feedback is -- it's that terrible high pitched sound that comes from speakers.

It usually happens when you place your microphone too close to the speaker or play your guitar directly in front of the amplifier.

Not only does this damage your ears, but it puts your audience off when they come to hear you play!

Now I'm not an expert on the dynamics of feedback. But I have performed on stage many times and have learnt a few tricks to avoid feedback from occurring...

The first step is to turn down your treble on your amplifier. Too much treble invites feedback so don't have too much treble in your amplifier settings.

The second step is to turn the volume on your guitar up only 3/4. Don't turn your volume up full as this is invites huge feedback! Always leave a little room on your volume, so don't turn it up all the way. Only 3/4 and I guarantee you will reduce feedback at least 80% with this trick.

One other trick is to turn down the gain or distortion on your amp. When you play softly, you can turn your gain or distortion full. But when you start playing with some serious volume, turn your gain only 50%.

You will still get the same sound and distortion, but this is the trick to avoiding feedback from occurring when you play loudly.

Finally, if you're using an effects pedal, only turn it up 3/4 the way. Like your guitar -- always leave a bit of leeway as it offers more control over the sound and keeps your playing tight!

Remember this -- if you keep control of your volumes, you reduce the level of feedback and have a much tighter sound as an over all band. If you turn everything up full and try to rule the world -- you'll sound a mess and out of control.

WRITTEN BY GUITAR TIPS
If you've always wanted to learn to play the guitar but never had the chance, give me 17 minutes a day for 90 days and I'll show you how to play virtually any song you want!
Visit www.guitartips.com.au

Quote for the week- targets.

Aim for the moon -
Even if you miss you'll be amoung the stars.

Lessons from the Idol Series.

Lessons from Idol.
It has been interesting to watch the Idol series on TV.
Here in Australia we have our own show, however the programme is very similar to the US and other worldwide versions.
I have put together a few principles I have gleaned from the show as pointers to help anyone in their music career (particularly when doing competition work).

Perform for the fans in a style and song that is familiar.
This is particularly true for emerging artists (I'm not saying here to not be different) but to select material that appeals to a broader audience.
It should be like a "worn in" pair of jeans - familiar and comfortable to you and individual too but also" wearable" for the audience so they can "pick up the vibe".
Song choice can make or break - there's always room for less known or original material later.

Connect with your listeners.
Share the story - shed a tear if it's real- if you need to fake it, don't do it.
Relate to them - eye contact - share a part of who you are.
You job as a performer is to touch the heart of your audience.

Be real.
This is you.
Not an imitation (although there will be elements of your style that are similar to those who you have leaned from.
The world does not need another 50cent clone or Aguliera lookalike.
If you perform in their style that's fine but you are you and ultimately that is what needs to come out.

Be willing to grow.
Last year's winner of Australian Idol Guy Sebastian told this year's contestants to be willing to extend themselves and be stretched.
I believe he was saying that pressure can be a good thing if it is harnessed correctly.
An opportunity to grow and step out of the comfort zone if what has worked in the past and into the uncharted territory should never be missed.
Hone your playing skills, work your vocal range and extend it beyond what you know you can currently do.

Give yourself permission to shine.
This is your moment to give it your all so do so.
The truth is most people WANT to see you to succeed and they are not out hoping you will make a mess of things.
While we all have been shaped according to our circumstances - we do have the choice as to how we respond to the opportunities before us.
Go for it!

How to promote your music successfully on the internet - A book review.

Here's a book I thoroughly recommend by fellow artist David Nevue.
"How to promote your music successfully on the internet" is arguably one of the best books out there in terms of content and workable information.
I originally purchased a copy when I was just starting out in music and the help I received from reading David's book has proven to be invaluable.
David updates his material regularly so you won't have information that is outdated and irrelevant.
Like any career, music is something you need to work at, and this book gives you many of the tools you need to take your online (and offline) promotion and sales to the next level.
Click on the book cover to go to David's store.

How a hospital visit turned into radio airplay.

Yesterday was a mixed bag of pain, surgery and opportunity.
I wanted to share this story as an encouragement that even seemingly unpleasant situations can have a hidden blessing (If you know where to look).
My day began in preparation for a 3 hour surgical operation that (hurt both physically (my face is less 5 teeth and a cyst that was eating away into my jawbone, and financially - I said goodbye to a couple of grand that day but I am grateful to be alive).
Before leaving home for the operating theatre, I remembered the rule of niche marketing and promotion - so I grabbed a copy of my album and handed it to the anaesthetist as a "thankyou present" for allowing me to pay off my bill in installments instead of up front.
Explaining the album to him and the style I produce (instrumental relaxation) he suggested we play it in the operating theatre.
So while I was being worked on my music was playing in the background...

The result was that the head surgeon heard it, knew a radio DJ who worked part- time as a receptionist in his office and invited me to drop by with a copy.
The end result is I now have another contact who will play my music over the airwaves, which means more exposure, sales and a possibly a live interview.

Just goes to show that the open doors are there if you are willing to think outside the box.
So do keep your eyes and ears open, understand your target audience and look for those unexpected opportunities.

To your music success.
Mark.

Fun quote for the week.

It's easy to play any musical instrument: all you have to do is touch the right key at the right time and the instrument will play itself.
- J.S. Bach

The Importance of Objective Music Mastering To Get That Hit Sound

The Importance of Objective Music Mastering To Get That Hit Sound

by Hans Klein
Passion is a key ingredient to creating good music. Without it, the artist is never going to put his or her full emotion into the music.

However, this often causes a huge problem. After the music has been recorded and mixed, those who worked on it often fall too closely in love with the finished product.

Long hours slaving away in the studio can make anybody feel like little or nothing is wrong with the masterpiece you’ve just created.

It’s just like an author that writes a novel or a director that creates a movie. After all of that time and work spent on it, nobody wants to hear critical reviews. They’ve put their heart and soul into it. It’s their baby.

Your music is the same way. All of those who have put a lot of time and energy into your music aren’t going to be critical enough to catch serious problems.

For instance, maybe there’s a problem with the recording quality, the song just does not gel together, or it just does not have the best overall “feel” your potential listeners are looking for.

Simply put, too often musicians just don’t realize these mistakes, until it’s too late!

This is why a good mastering engineer is so important. You should think of your mastering engineer as the final quality control check by “fresh,” skilled and independent ears.

It’s less about simply the processing and more about making changes based on a final and objective look at what you’ve created.

Only after the engineer has given your music a fresh look and discussed potential problems with you are any adjustments made.

In other words, the mastering process revolves around the objective look at your music.

This means it’s impossible for anybody else who has worked with you during the creation of your song to not be biased (even if it´s only slightly – like for the mix engineer for example). They’ve heard the arguments for why the music is the way it is and worked hard to make it that way – everybody, but the mastering engineer is emotionally invested.

This also means you should be talking to your mastering engineer throughout the entire process to ensure you deliver the best possible mix for the engineer to work his magic.

Additionally, you should deeply consider all of the feedback the engineer gives you.

Remember, he is giving you feedback based on years of experience and knows what he’s talking about – because he’s “heard it all” before.

Your mastering engineer should be somebody you trust to give you the right feedback to bring-out the best in your music.

The bottom line is that the objective view of a good mastering engineer offers can mean the difference between the success and failure of your record. It’s what catches flaws and helps gear your music toward a positive direction.

To get more information about what mastering can do for you and what you should look for in a mastering studio, visit: http://www.MasteringCentral.com right now! Inside you'll get hot tips on how to get the best possible sound out of your music and avoid getting ripped off by the wrong mastering studio!

For More Information (Article Source)
http://www.articlealley.com

Passion!

What is it that makes an individual stand out?
I believe it isn't necessarily down to talent (although this is important, and no artist will get very far without it).
One vital ingredient is PASSION.
To be passionate is a mixture of enthusiasm, commitment, and delight in doing what you are doing.
This is infectious - a passionate person is someone you want to be around.
It's not a self - centred thing but an outward focus that wants to share with others.
For us as artists it is a joy to share part of who we are with others.
Take time to share your music passion with others - talk to your fans, sign that CD and thank your supporters.
Let what you believe show in your life.
Be real and human, and above all else be true to yourself.

Digital Distribution.

Should an independant artist submit their music for digital distribution?
I personally have found digital distribution (ie through iTunes and Rhapsody) to be a worthwhile move.
It has been an excellent way to not only get some great coverage, but also make some extra cash along the way.
Since it is becoming rarer these days that an online customer would purchase an entire album but tends to mix and match their favourite songs it makes sense to be able to offer individual tracks instead of missing out on a sale.
Digital distribution has shown me some interesting information about my music.
Tracks that I personally thought where not my top choice have turned out to be my best sellers!
People still download entire album but usually go for 2 or 3 tracks.
Simpler solo compositions have done well.
I can make almost as much money via a digital album download as opposed to mailing off a hard physical copy of my CD.
My recommendation?
Do definately consider making your music available as a digital download.