Yesterday, top music industry analyst Mark Mulligan wrote that Niche Is Music’s New Mainstream. But how do you find your own unique niche and connect with what Mulligan calls "a passionate cluster of fans?"Tarryn Meyers says that it is by building a brand that is uniquely you, but can also…
Category archives: Indie Labels
It’s No Longer A Major Label World
If there was still any doubt in your mind that you didn’t need to be signed to a major label in order to succeed in the music industry, wonder no longer, as new data reveals just how much of market share indies have gained in recent years. __________________________________ Guest post…
How To Prepare To Release New Music [Ariel Hyatt]
Many artists spend so much time and energy writing and recording their music, that they almost ignore the essential steps needed to prepare for and launch its release. Veteran music publicist Ariel Hyatt has created a template to help artists avoid this crucial mistake. _______________________________ By Ariel Hyatt of Cyber…
Will I See You In NYC At A2IM Indie Week June 17-20?
UPDATED: American Association Of Independent Music’s annual Indie Week invades New York City on June 17 – 20. The usually very smart team at A2IM have foolishly invited me to participate on a panel titled Streaming Manipulation "The Ethics of Streaming." I hope to see you there. The details: "The…
How Spotify Pre-Saves Can Boost An Album Release
With the streaming age in full swing, pre-saves have booted out pre-sales and become a great way to get fans access to your music first, and give you a play count boost when your album finally drops. In this piece Christine Elise Occhino walks us through how to utilize the…
Where Was the Board? Reflections On Potential Legal Issues In PledgeMusic “Administration” Bankruptcy
In the wake of PledgeMusic’s recent implosion and almost total silence in response to the issue, attorney and artist advocate Chris Castle takes a moment to share some thoughts on the failed crowdfunding platform’s bankruptcy, and where they’re headed from here. _______________________________ Guest post by Chris Castle of Artists Rights…
Merlin Names Former Spotify, Apple Music Exec As Japan GM
Talk about knowing where all the bodies are buried… Indie global music rights agency Merlin has named Akira Nomoto as General Manager, Merlin Japan, the world’s second largest music market. For the last six years, Nomoto served Spotify as Head of Artist & Label Marketing and then Director of Licensing…
PledgeMusic Owes This Indie Artist $197,559
Progressive composer John Zorn is owed $197,559 for a completed PledgeMusic campaign that he was never paid for. "The Book Beriah," a box set of 11 albums to be released on his own Tzadik label. features different groups interpreting his compositions inspired by Jewish folk music. PledgeMusic.com Limited is in…
Americana Music Awards Nominations 2019: Women Take Center Stage [FULL LIST]
The Americana Music Association has named nominees for its 18th annual Americana Honors & Awards. Women dominated the 2019 nods with Brandi Carlisle Carlile, Rhiannon Giddens, Kacey Musgraves and Mavis Staples among the nominated. The Americana nominations stand in sharp contrast to their counterparts in main stream country where women…
A Brief History Of Record Deals
While artists have always been responsible for music’s artistic future, technology and the recording industry have always shaped how that future has been implemented. Here we look at record deals through the ages, from their inception in the late 1800s through to present day. ________________________________ Guest post from AWAL Artists…