Music Business 008: Music Business, #8

By James Bruce

As the days and months go by, I will be publishing a series of ebooks about the subjects that I have encountered for the last 35 years concerned with the business of music. This collection of eBooks will also be offered as a softback, hardback, and as an audio book. Each eBook will contain between 20-30 pages of necessary and critical subject matter that I feel anyone that needs to know or wants to learn critical information about the music business. I assure you if you have or are interested in a career in the music business you will learn and hopefully success in this business. Teaching the business of music including courses on artist development, marketing, promotion, production, and resources of your choice. I look forward to working with you in my classes. Helping anyone interested in the music business paving a path to a successful career.  This is ebook 008

• Language: English
• Publisher: James Bruce
• Release date: Oct 21, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215374870

James Bruce

About the Author by Marcia Ferko      Meet James Bruce, author, producer, agent, manager, business owner, and proud dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa. This accomplished individual’s life story invites you to also seek and find the best of yours.      His generous, Christian and passionate heart for others has opened doors of opportunity and success for many.  Through his own trial and error of failures and successes, he has shared his riches of wisdom with others. He has become an ambassador and liaison in both the private and professional settings and has been a mentor to many.      Through years of life experiences, Jim has become a conduit of knowledge for the past and the present. He tries to capture both as you read through his wealth of information here with him.  We all can learn from each other’s life and Jim’s life is certainly a unique example of that.      His adventure is not through yet. His mantra still is “Dance while music is still playing and live your best life while it still lies before you!!!

Book preview

Chapter 57

Common Mistakes Made by Indie Artists

1. Mistakes in CD Production and Marketing

When recording a CD, it is crucial to have a marketing plan in place beforehand. This allows for anticipation to build and the opportunity to pre-sell copies. Additionally, planning ensures that you consider all potential markets for your music. Another common mistake is not creating a complete budget for CD production and marketing. This can lead to insufficient funds for important aspects such as mixing, mastering, cover design, duplication, and marketing. It is essential to stick to the budget to avoid financial stress and have money set aside for marketing. Taking on high-profile gigs prematurely can be detrimental to an artist's career. It is important to seek professional opinions and determine if you are truly ready for such opportunities. Performing or recording songs before they are perfected can hinder the impression you make on listeners and potential buyers. It is important to ensure that your original songs are in their best form before sharing them. Promoting co-written songs without a written agreement can lead to disputes over copyright ownership. It is

essential to have a clear understanding of how rights are divided among co-writers. Approaching industry professionals before you are adequately prepared can harm your professional image. It is crucial to have knowledge about management, booking agents, payment structures, and the level of experience required to approach them. Timing and preparation are key when seeking mass exposure opportunities. Before seeking widespread attention, it is important to have a functional website, music available for purchase, and be ready to tour if necessary. Prematurely promoting events, contracts, or news announcements without confirmation can be embarrassing and unprofessional. It is essential to confirm all details before making public announcements. Lastly, recording a CD without proper

agreements in place with the producer, musicians, and back-up singers can lead to legal complications surrounding ownership and licensing. Working with an entertainment attorney to draft appropriate agreements before recording is crucial. By avoiding these common mistakes and carefully planning your career, you can set yourself up for success as an indie artist.

1.1. Recording a CD without a marketing plan

Recording a CD without a marketing plan can be a detrimental mistake for indie artists. Without a plan in place, artists may miss opportunities to generate anticipation and pre-sell copies of their CD. Additionally, not considering different marketing strategies or target markets could limit the success of the release. Instead, artists should create a comprehensive marketing plan prior to recording to ensure they are prepared to promote their music effectively. This will allow them to capitalize on the excitement surrounding the release and immediately begin active promotion. By thinking