Today's episode is taken from a workshop I recently delivered through my nonprofit organization that serves Asian American artists, The Slants Foundation. It was a session specifically on creating a lasting impact - be it cultural, systemic, or industry. We also focused on bigger ideas of how to create a more sustainable arts career by re-examining how we think about relationships, tools, the maps we use, and other key areas. Resources: Watch the video webinar of this episode. Learn more about The Slants Foundation.

Music Business Hacks

#387 - How to Make a Lasting Impact and Have a Music Career That Lasts

The early deadline for SXSW artist applications is coming up. Today, we discuss best practices for applying to SXSW and other major music festivals. Also, I have a special announcement regarding CPOC Music, a new music business conference designed specifically for artists of color. Resources: SXSW Showcasing Artist Application CPOC Music

#386 - SXSW Application Tips and Other Music Industry Festivals

It's sometimes hard to put long-range goals into perspective when we're considering the many means of getting to them: touring, social media, list building, licensing, music industry trends, formats of releasing music, etc. but those are all tactics, not sustainable strategies that are scalable. Too often, we glamorize the hustle without thinking about what matters even more: working with purpose. Today, we'll talk about whether or not it actually is a long way to the top (if you want to rock n' roll) and a better way of getting there.

#385 - Is It Really a Long Way to the Top?

The music industry is an ever-evolving landscape that is often adapting to changes in technology, the law, and how people consume music. However, artists often don't adapt to these changes well because we often create processes without a lens of resiliency. In today's episode, we talk about "future-proofing" your work and how you do business so you don't have to recreate the wheel each time you need to do something for your business.

#384 - How to Make Your Career Resilient and "Future Proof"

Do you wonder how you can get more stuff done? Today, I share some personal strategies for making more progress in your music career each day. Resources: Episode #368 – Scaling Up pt. 1: The House of Music Episode #08 - SMARTER Goals BOOK: The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

#383 - How to be More Productive

Today, I'm speaking with Danielle Tucker, the leading force behind the Pandemic-Proof Singer Summit, a free 3-day event filled with leading experts in the music industry who will teach you how to create a sustainable arts career. Today, we'll talk about some of the ideas, what you can look forward to, and how you can stay relevant as a musician in times of uncertainty. Register for free here.

#382 - How You Can Create a Pandemic-Proof Career

Have you ever thought about what business you're in? The "music business" is too broad of a term and doesn't really define your activities or what can actually sustain your career. When you understand what business you're actually in, you can start being more strategic about your approach and see better returns.

#381 - The Real Business Artists Are Actually In

Today's interview is with Stacey Bedform, CEO of Bandzoogle. It was inspired by an article that she wrote for the Industry Observer,  Direct to the fan: websites are where the rubber meets the road for independent artists. I've always been an advocate of having owned channels but I think it is more critical than ever for artists to level up their websites and avoid the trap of social media gatekeeping and filters. Please enjoy this conversation with someone who can see how websites affect artists at the 30,000 ft level.

#380 - How Artists Can Optimize Their Website (Stacey Bedford, CEO of Bandzoogle)

Today's episode is a fireside chat with one of the most sought after vocal and artist coaches, Wendy Parr. We talk about the transformative power of finding your authentic artist voice. It was hosted by The Slants Foundation, a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to transforming the world through the power of art. To learn more about Wendy's work, visit www.wendyparr.com To learn more about The Slants Foundation, visit www.theslants.org

#379 - Wendy Parr on The Power of Artist Authenticity

You've written a song. Maybe you even released it. But how can you multiply its reach and its earning potential?

#378 - How to Multiply Your Content

With so much information out there for artists, newer and lesser established musicians often have trouble deciding on what is most important to focus on. Today, I speak with two younger artists about prioritization as well as addressing common questions for acts in earlier stages of their career. This consultation session is part of the services provided by The Slants Foundation, a nonprofit that is dedicated to helping underrepresented artists. To learn more about the organization, visit www.theslants.org

#377 - What Artists Should Focus On When Starting Out

When it comes to your music or how you present yourself, what makes you unique? How can you approach your songwriting, marketing/communications, and your audiences with the mindset of differentiation so that you can create a scalable and sustainable career? Resources: Episode #291 -How to Dominate a Niche Market part 1: Find a need Episode #292 - How to Dominate a Niche Market pt 2: Smallest Viable Audience Episode #293 - How to Dominate a Niche Market pt 3: What if Your Audience is Too Small? Episode #294 - How to Dominate a Niche Market pt 4: How to Find Your Niche Episode #295 - How to Dominate a Niche Market part 5: Always Give Value Episode #296 - Recap: The Secret Weapon to Success

#376 - How Differentiation Makes the Difference

I'm making a few predictions for how/when live, in-person music shows will return. If you want to be set for performances, then you better be prepared! Resources & Related Episodes: To optimize merchandise: Episode #26: How to Calculate Return on Investment from Merchandise Episode #31: How to Get Better Pricing from Merch Suppliers Episode #39: 8 Tips to Help You Sell More Merchandise Episode #50: Supplies Every Merch Bin Should Have Episode #59: The Best Ideas of March:Merchandise, Digital Marketing, and the Interviews Episode #205: Hacks for Merch Booths at Conventions, Street Fairs, and Events Episode #287: Dropshipping Your Merchandise with Print on Demand Episode #342: Making Your Own Merchandise How to Get Sponsorships: Episode #178 – Hacking Sponsorships pt. 1 – How to Pitch Sponsors Episode #179 – Hacking Sponsorships pt. 2- Creating a Compelling Story Episode #180 – Hacking Sponsorships pt. 3 – Finding Your “It Factor” Episode #181 – Hacking Sponsorships pt. 4 – Connecting with Sponsors Episode #182 – Hacking Sponsorships pt. 5 – Making Your List of Sponsors Episode #183 – Hacking Sponsorships pt. 6 – Places to Find Even More Sponsors Episode #184 – Hacking Sponsorships pt. 7 – How to Ask for What You Want Episode #185 – Interview: How Whitherward God Subaru to Sponsor Their European Tour Perfecting Your Stage Show: Episode #4: Don’t practice. Rehearse instead. Episode #43: Why Every Musician Should Have a Post-Show Game PlanEpisode #198: How to Captivate an Audience from Start to Finish

#375 - The Return of In-Person Concerts

Algorithm, the great hidden gatekeeper, has fundamentally shifted the music industry: think about how many artists are now releasing singles instead of albums because they think it favors discoverability, how many release covers on YouTube in hopes of catching more attention, and how we fall into trends when it comes to our careers instead of focusing on the people we're really needing to reach?

#374 - Algorithm or Audience?

A daily show for the aspiring musician who wants to revolutionize their career with inspiration + activities. During the week, listeners will learn about specific things they can do that day to advance their career and hear deep dive interviews with insight from creatives and music industry professionals. The show is written and hosted by Simon Tam, author of Music Business Hacks, How to Get Sponsorships and Endorsements, and the Last Stop Booking blog. He is also founder and bassist of dance rock band, The Slants.

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Music Business Hacks

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