Is your sound quality good enough for film and TV placements?

By Michael Laskow

You might be missing some great opportunities because you think your recordings/demos aren't good enough.

Many people think that "Master Quality" requires a professional studio with 24 or more "digital" tracks, and the final mix has been "mastered".

TRUE if you were making a record for a major label, it's NOT true for what Film and TV people need. They simply need a good, clean recording. You DO NOT need to go to a pro studio, have a live string section, tons of bells and whistles, or a mastering session for your songs.

The majority of songs that are placed in film and TV projects through TAXI have been recorded in home studios on 8-tracks some even on 4 tracks!

Here are some examples!

BZ Lewis Builds Lucrative TV and Film Career From 8 Track Home Demo

"Armed with nothing more than a computer, some software with a computer I/O and a nice mic, there's no reason not to get a good sounding mix." says BZ Lewis.

It all started back in 1997 when "Wide Open" (a song by his band, Sugar Danks) began to get placed in films and TV. A simple but well-recorded demo, 'Wide Open' was done with 8 tracks on a 75 MHz computer — 6 years ago when computer recording was still in its infancy.

"Even though my setup was very simple," say B.Z., "I was able to get a great song and a great recording out of it. As I listen back to the song I realize how much I've grown as an engineer, but I think the mix still holds up today. That song has been in more than 10 films and platinum selling video game titles, and it was the song that launched my career."

His music has now been placed on all the major networks, platinum selling video game titles, 15 independent films, regional and local ad campaigns — all from contacts made through TAXI. In fact, B.Z. Lewis has used the benefits of his TAXI membership to build a lucrative career.

4-Track Demos Score TAXI Member Two "Holds" by Diamond Rio

Think you need to have elaborate demos and state-of-the-art equipment to compete in today's music business? TAXI member Elliott Park proves the time-honored adage that 'it's all about the song' by getting two of his home-recorded, 4-track demos on "hold" for superstar country act Diamond Rio.

We asked Elliott (from his home in the tiny town of Baird, TX — population 1623) to shed some light on his approach to writing and recording.

"I use a Technics Digital Piano hooked up to a Boss 4-track Digital Recorder. I usually do my own vocals, including harmony. When I need a female vocalist I have a couple of very talented friends who help me out."

"I don't really have an acoustically controlled environment. I mean, I've seriously had to redo vocal takes because my dogs started barking at a skunk outside. But a good mic and a little reverb added (on my 4-track) makes a good demo. I never worry about padded walls and all that — a room with a carpet works fine for me. The main thing is the song."

Electronica Duo PB&J Get Dozens of Film and TV Placements With Home Demos

As we often discover, PB&J's professional-caliber recordings were done at home. When asked what they use to record their material, James and Phil succinctly say: 'Sonic Foundry and a computer.' It doesn't get a lot more simple than that, does it?

"We have charted in the top 40 in over 20 countries in Dance/Electronica via Internet Radio, and have licensed more than 60 tracks for use in MTV's 'The Real World' television series."

"TAXI works. Plain and simple," asserts four-year member TAXI Phil Francis, when asked to describe his TAXI experience.

"I know — because since 1999, my partner James Kernick and I have had numerous deals and placements, including 5 independent films, a 20-song publishing deal, placements on E! Entertainment's Style, a featured minute-long usage on 'Malcolm In The Middle,' and a national Verizon commercial — among other things."

"All of these accomplishments came about as a direct or indirect result of our relationship with TAXI."

Trying to get your Song Demos to major artists? Or your band's Demo Tape/CD, to a Record Label? Then check out TAXI The World's Leading Independent A&R Company.

An artist you can learn something from.

After my previous post (which is bound to offend at least someone I thought I'd post some more positive politically incorrect material).
Today's brief writeup is about an artist - in fact the band as a whole that we can all learn something valuable from.
U2 has achieved huge milestones in the music arena with sales in the millions and an extensive following.
Bono has used his popularity in a positive way to promote the fight against poverty and third world debt.
This is the portrait of a "real" artist who is the first to admit he is not perfect, but is willing to give the best he can with a selfless agenda.
Want some positive vibe and inspiration?
Take a look at the links below.
www.atu2.com
News article

Sex sells - but at what cost?

How much will a music career cost you?
Many musicians have become "molded" by the big labels to become something they shouldn't be and lots of artist hopefuls have fallen into the same trap - believing that compromising their values will promise them great success.

The reality is that while sex does sell there is a price to be paid.
Here's a brief list;
It will cost integrity and self respect.
The respect of others.
Sleepless nights of regret.
It's also true that like attracts like and if a performer portrays themselves in a sleazy way - guess what kind of company they will attract.

You only need to watch the downward spiral of many well known artists such as Britney Spears to see that this is true. (and no I don't hate Britney).
Becoming "sexier" instead of streetwise can potentially - and has destroyed countless lives.
Remember people are watching us, regardless of whether we are onstage or off, we are a role model.
With fame comes responsibility.

When I hear garbage on the radio from groups such as Nickelback singing "acting like we're animals - ain't nothing wrong with it". I seriously question what are they teaching?

If you are an indie who produces quality material then I applaud you.
Stand your ground and dare to be true to yourself.
Develop your character so that when the mud is thrown it won't stick.
You'll attract the right kinds of fans that will value you and your music, and you'll have the added bonus of being able to sleep at night.

2500 views and the value of video and Helloworld.

Today I received an email from a friend who introduced me to Helloworld a while back.
Apparently according to his words I'm a star - twice, and getting some excellent exposure in the comedy video competition and music video channels on their online TV station, making it to number 4 in the music section with over 2500 views in the last couple of months.
This is very encouraging and shows the value of creating video to combine with your music.


I did a comparison between Helloworld and Myspace and Youtube recently and discovered my music actually received more than 4 times more exposure on Helloworld than it did on Myspace and Youtube combined.
The other thing I noticed is that because it is a paid service, it seems to attract the kind of people who for some reason tend to value the content much more and there is more participation.
Perhaps this is the reason - friends telling more friends and so on...
(These are the kind of people who are also more likely to actually purchase something rather than a bunch of teenagers who are just surfing for something to entertain them).

Next post I'll share some helpful tips on how I went about actually creating a music video on an absolutely shoestring budget (I didn't even have a proper video camera!). and still get something decent enough to get high ratings.
Yes it can be done.

Commercial radio - the definition of dull?

Has commercial radio lost it's edge?
I personally think that for some stations this is definitely the case.
I know of one particular local station here in Perth that runs in the background at our work that is a classic example of how bad things have become in the commercial radio arena.
This station commonly repeats newer tracks not once or twice but up to three times per day in order to fill up airtime (yes I've counted).
Has anyone else experienced similar?
I understand the appearing of the remix has become a more common phenomenon also in the last couple of years.
I believe this is partly to do with the big record labels - perhaps they are struggling to find original material that they believe will sell and bring in the same big dollars of yesteryear so are going back to the old faithfuls to try and do a rehash (if it sold once maybe it will do again).

This also explains the increasing number of music buyers who are looking to new sources (ie the indie artist and smaller labels) in order to get something fresh and original to listen to.

Ok, I'll quit my rant for tonight - it's rare I complain.
Let's get out there and produce some original music.

What's Wrong with 'American Idol'?

Bob Baker's updated manifesto on how the popular show is creating widespread misconceptions about what it takes to succeed as a musical artist today.

It's one of the most popular TV shows of recent years, drawing tens of millions of viewers every week. Even I admit, American Idol is fun to watch. The show provides all the elements of good pop culture entertainment: passion, emotion, the thrill of victory, the agony of defeat, dreams attained and lost ...

So, what's wrong with American Idol?

Considering it's lumped into the "reality" TV category, the show is doing a great disservice to aspiring musicians (and the public at large) by distorting perceptions of how the music business really works. It sends an outdated message of "dependence" on the industry vs. the more realistic "independence" that artists have today to control their own careers.

The Talent Discovery Myth

For instance, the program leads you to believe that there are hundreds of people like Simon, Paula and Randy out there searching for raw talent they can mold into the next big pop star. Not true. Sure, record companies employ A&R people whose job it is to sign and nurture new artists -- but as major labels consolidate, cut staffs, and get nervous about the bottom line, they no longer have the time or money to develop new acts.

Instead, labels look for artists who are already developing themselves, attracting fans, and selling CDs on their own. There's less risk with an act that has a track record.

Also, the American Idol auditions, in particular, create the illusion that most aspiring musicians lack talent and are delusional, struggling and starving. In reality, there are thousands of talented performers across the country who make good money, have hundreds of devoted fans, and are steadily building careers.

Here's just one example of this modern reality: Over the past seven years, the web site CD Baby has sold more than $12 million worth of CDs (1.3 million units) by independent, unsigned acts. A tremendous amount of quality music is being produced and sold outside the mainstream.

The Danger of Waiting for Your 'Big Break'

One of the biggest myths American Idol propels is that you need the approval of industry gatekeepers to "make it" in music. Sorry, you don't need Simon's or anyone else's permission to be worthy of a career in music. If you wait for someone to give you the green light to create and perform music, you'll be waiting a long time.

Too many musicians claim they need to be "discovered" or given a "big break" to succeed. That kind of thinking puts control of your career in someone or something outside of yourself. The truth is, artists have a lot more power, tools and opportunities at their disposal than they give themselves credit for.

When aspiring artists see the stellar success of Idol winner Kelly Clarkson, they're led to believe that landing a major recording contract must be the ultimate sign of success. Unfortunately, those singers are the exceptions, not the rule. Only about one in 30 signed acts reach significant enough sales levels to warrant a second CD release -- which means nearly 97% of artists with recording contracts fail. Yet, most musicians are still obsessed with getting "industry" approval and think they need a major label deal.

The Ultimate 'Reality'

The smartest musicians understand that building a career independently is the best approach. They promote themselves, book their own shows, produce and sell their own CDs, and establish relationships directly with fans. Doing so, they learn the ropes and slowly develop the skills and business savvy needed to reach higher levels of success.

It's misguided for artists to think they need massive exposure and the approval of music industry honchos a la American Idol to succeed. That knee-jerk reasoning is based on a decades-old business model that is gasping its last desperate breaths. It's a new day. Now it's all about self-empowerment. Musicians need to claim their personal power, take their careers into their own hands, promote themselves relentlessly, and create their own lucky breaks.

So enjoy American Idol for the "unreality" entertainment that it is. But pursue your dreams with the understanding that you are in complete control of your musical aspirations and development.


Bob Baker is the author of "Guerrilla Music Marketing Handbook," "Unleash the Artist Within" and "Branding Yourself Online." He also publishes TheBuzzFactor.com, a web site and e-zine that deliver marketing tips, self-promotion ideas and other empowering messages to music people of all kinds. Get your FREE subscription to Bob's e-zine by visiting http://TheBuzzFactor.com today.

Stuck for ideas? - music creativity.

It happens sometimes,
You want a new sound or feel for your music but don't know where to start.
I went through a period of a few months where I had lost my creative inspiration and was wanting to do something different for my next album.
Oddly enough, the solution came though browsing ebay and some exotic instrument sites and listening to some traditional instrument samples.
(I'm now eagerly awaiting two flutes - one celtic and the other of Andes origin which will expand my music scope).

If you are getting stuck in the "same old, same old" circuit of bass, drums and guitar stuff it might be worth going international and back in time a few years to investigate some other instruments and styles.
Having a unique instrument with even a simple riff can really lift a song from "average" to noticed and create a whole new feel.
Sometimes just a few notes on something very different to your keyboard or guitar can be enough to get you going on a new recording.