broken cool.

10 Email Commandments for Recording Artists

broken cool — Fri, 24 May 2013 07:51:12 -0400

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9...send.

Everyday, bloggers and editors the world over receive hundreds of emails from artists seeking press for their music. Some of these artists are great, some of these artists are terrible. And while some of them have got this press pitch down, many of them don't have the first idea about how to present their music online. Here are the 10 Email Commandments for Recording Artists...follow or die a slow, digital death.

CHECK YOUR SPELLING

Its rely importent to chec youre speling. I can't tell you how many times over the years I've received emails from artists looking for a post on brokencool that fail to check the spelling in their emails. The worst part is the email usually starts with a line like "I invest a lot of time into my career..." Really? Then you should also invest in a Speak & Spell. Look, incorrect spelling and bad grammar isn't going to fly at your 9-5, so don't make it a part of your 5-9. And please, please, please spell the name of your "hot new single" correctly.

IF YOU SAY SOMETHING IS ATTACHED, MAKE SURE IT IS

"Check out my dope, amazing, crazy good new song attached to this email." * Looks for attachment, can't find it *. Another frequent occurrence when receiving emails from artists looking for publicity is to be told a song is attached to the email and it isn't there. Artists: No blogger (and I mean NO BLOGGER) is going to email you back and say "hey, you forgot to attach your song" unless said blogger already has a great relationship with you or they were expecting your email. If you are simply taking your chances and sending your song out and you say it's attached to the email, MAKE SURE IT IS! Simple but important advice.

IF YOU ARE GOING TO PERSONALIZE THE EMAIL, MAKE SURE YOU GET THE BLOG/WEBSITE NAME RIGHT

Over the years I have received many emails like this:

"What up, I love dopehotshitcrazynewstuff.com. I'm a big fan of your site and visit all the time."

If you are going to personalize your email to a blog or website, it's very important to get the name right. Sometimes when I received emails like this I would email back and say "this isn't dopehotshitcrazynewstuff.com"...but usually I would just hit delete. Might have I deleted the greatest new song from the greatest new artist in the game? Sure. But if you can't get the name of my blog correct, how much are you really investing into your career?

BCC YOUR EMAILS

You know how you've built up (or purchased) a database of all the top bloggers and website editors? If and when you use that list to promote your new music, ENSURE you BCC: those emails when you send them out. Trust me when I tell you everyone on your list will HATE you if you don't BCC their email when you send out your music. Not only will they probably not post your music if you don't BCC:, they may blacklist you forever (whether you know it or not). I've seen so many instances of artists not BCC'ing emails and the terrible "reply all" situations that followed. It's a simple courtesy that will go a long way. And if you don't BCC: by mistake, send a follow-up email apologizing for your error (but make sure you BCC: that time...'cause I've seen people not BCC: on the apology email too).

EITHER BE GENERIC OR BE VERY SPECIFIC

If you are going to blast out your new music to blogs and websites, make a decision. You either a) Personalize the email and be very specific or b) You send a generic blast...that is very generic.

If you choose option a), mention something specific about the blog, website or person you are sending it to. Don't simply say "Hey, I like your blog" say "I really dug that article you did on Pusha T. That part in the interview where he talked about his first time in the studio with Kanye was crazy" followed by your pitch.

And if you choose option b), make the email for a generic audience. Don't say "Hey, I really like your blog" and send it to 3000 people. Many of these people on the list might not have blogs or a website (they might be managers, A&Rs, etc.), they might have a website not a blog, they may have a Tumblr, etc.

YOU AREN'T THE NEW LAURYN HILL...SO DON'T WRITE THAT

Whenever I get emails that say "Check out this artist, she's the new Lauryn Hill" I delete without listening. Why? Well, in every instance of this since I started doing this in 1996, whenever I got an email like that and listened, the person ended up being more Cassie (if that) than Lauryn Hill...so I stopped listening and started deleting. You Mr. or Ms. artist, are not the next anyone, you are the first you...so stop writing dumb things like this and let your music speak for itself.

IF YOUR MUSIC IS REALLY, REALLY BAD, DON'T EMAIL BUSY BLOGGERS AND EDITORS

A quick one here: If your own mother tells you she isn't feelin' your song or your friends laugh when you play them your music or random people tell you "don't quit your day job", it's possible you aren't mean to have a career in music. Don't send your music to busy bloggers and website editors if you are...well...awful. It's only a waste of their time and yours. There is nothing wrong with making music as a hobby and posting it on a blog or Tumblr or sending it to a few friends, but don't try to go head-to-head on the blogs and websites with skilled, talented artists who actually have a shot of making this a career.

INCLUDE SOME INFORMATION ABOUT YOURSELF

"Hey, check out my new song"...end of email.

I'm not saying you have to write a 13-page biography, but provide SOME information about yourself in an email. Major label publicists still "introduce" artists in emails to the press, if for nothing as a refresher on what the artist has been up to. You, as an artist people probably don't know at all, need to tell some sort of story as a means to introduce you to the media. This is why it's important to have a skilled publicist on your team.

ATTACH A PROFESSIONAL PHOTO

You know that photo of you and your homies twisted at the club? Don't include that as your press photo. Spend a few dollars (or find a friend that knows what they are doing with a camera) and take some professional photos that properly convey your artistic image. It will go a long way in "presenting" you.

Looking for effective online marketing and PR built on over 16 years of entertainment industry experience? Click here to download the brokencool media kit and start building your brand the right (and cost effective) way.

First-Ever Fan Generated Dance Video Films this Friday in Vegas

broken cool — Thu, 23 May 2013 15:54:17 -0400

Vegas music...music Vegas. The words go together like peanut butter and jam...and this Friday the jam is going down at Marquee Las Vegas where Dance artist Arty will create the first-ever fan generated Dance video.

Press release:

Bringing people together through the power of music is what Arty does best. His melodic masterpieces have created a community of thousands reaching far and wide around the world, but this Friday 24th at Marquee Las Vegas he takes it that one step further. Joining forces with the most exciting social media app of the moment, Vyclone, Arty invites fans to film his modern day anthem ‘Together We Are’ to create the first ever fan generated dance music video! Check out the awesome potential of Vyclone below:

The Vyclone Experience

Vyclone utilizes the most user-friendly, simple technology on the market to create the most advanced, perfectly edited collaborative movies you’ll see on your handheld screen. If you’re one of the lucky ones at Marquee, this is how you contribute…

1. Download Vyclone here!

2. Create an account and start following @artyofficial

3. When you hear ‘Together We Are’ – start filming fans, yourself and Arty!

4. Upload the video.

5. Then Vyclone will work it's magic and piece everyone's videos together to create an awesome collaborative video!

broken links - May 23, 2013

broken cool — Thu, 23 May 2013 07:45:11 -0400

Dammed $tream (New York Post)

Eyeing global appeal of local music (China Daily)

Daft Punk's 'Random Access Memories' Set for No. 1, 300,000-plus Debut (Billboard.biz)

Amazon & Book Publishers Just Made Music Industry Look Like Neanderthals (Hypebot)

Monte & Avery Lipman Deliver Commencement Speech At University Of Albany (FMQB)

Music Conference: It Starts with the DJ Conference (Toronto) Feat. Kawan “KP” Prather

broken cool — Thu, 23 May 2013 07:35:56 -0400

John Legend, T.I. Outkast, Usher, TLC, P!nk, and Yelawolf are some of the artists whose careers have been orchestrated by famed music industry executive and producer Kawan “KP” Prather – Urban A&R at Atlantic Records who will join the 2013 It Starts With The DJ conference as the main keynote speaker. The conference will feature a power panel of Toronto’s best in the media relations business held in Toronto on June 8th, 2013.

Stylus Group Co-Founder David “Click” Cox shares, “It will be great to hear from an Atlanta influencer on how the scene has grown and was built. In relation to hearing his recommendations and outlook on the Toronto scene. His experience and involvement within the music industry is a big a deal.”

Held at the Jackman Hall - Art Gallery of Ontario (317 Dundas Street W.), the McCaul Street entrance will open at 12:30 pm, with tickets available for $10 CND at the door. The sixth annual It Starts With The DJ conference is a prelude to Stylus Spinfest Weekend taking place in the Fall 2013 involving three-days of celebratory events leading up to the big Stylus Awards show finale.

About the Conference

Round 1:

Breaking Ground into the Media World
1:00pm – 2:15pm
This interactive discussion will focus on the world of public relations and the importance of connecting directly with various media outlets. The panel will feature some of Toronto’s well respected publicists, bloggers, and diverse writers, who will explore their outlook on today’s industry and the inside scoop on how to engage the media. This segment will provide a forum to introduce musical artists to the steps in establishing the right PR strategy to build their profile. A few topics on the agenda include: The steps to approach various media types, what do writers care about, and what not to do to burn your bridges.

Round 2:

Keynote Interview with Kawan “KP” Prather, Senior VP of A&R Atlantic Records, CEO Ghet-O-Vision Entertainment

2:30pm – 3:45pm
Direct from Atlanta we sit down for a conversation with successful A&R Record Executive Kawan “KP” Prather. This unique keynote appearance will dive into his outlook on today’s urban music industry and offer an inside look to his entrepreneurship and business philosophy as he shares insights of his music career over the years and stories behind some of the industry’s most celebrated artists that he's worked with throughout the decades. Offering advice and motivation, along with the tools to inspire.

Round 3:

One on One – Creating Relationships

4:00pm – 5:00pm
Back by popular demand, we’re dedicating one hour to the importance of networking. Unfortunately, many musicians do not have relationships with key industry executives and this creates obstacles in receiving exposure. Participants have the opportunity to book in advance a five-minute session with up to three of our influential advisers of their choice, to receive feedback or advice on current projects. After the first five-minute session has completed, participants will proceed to the next scheduled session and continue until all sessions have been completed. One on One relationship building sessions can result in the best of outcomes for a chance to network in a more intimate setting, and open the door to properly strategize next career steps.

More Details: http://bit.ly/KhJ8Nf

The Signing of Paris Hilton: The Reason YMCMB is Winning

broken cool — Thu, 23 May 2013 07:24:41 -0400

This happened:

Welcome@ParisHilton to tha Family.RichgangRichgirl.YMCMB
— BIRDMAN (@BIRDMAN5STAR) May 22, 2013

YMCMB has signed socialite Paris Hilton who will deliver her new album, which will focus on House music, this summer. Weird, right? Well, not exactly. There is a trend here with YMCMB and a successful one at that.

No one is expecting Paris Hilton to deliver "Illmatic" here people....that's not the point. Birdman and his Cash Money cohorts have steadily capitalized on sounds, people and moments in Pop music. Don't believe me? Here is a label that garnered Kevin freaking Rudolf the following accolades:

- "Let It Rock" (4 million sales)

- "I Made It" (1 million+ sales)

- 3 BMI Pop Awards

And let's be honest, no one is ever going to mistake Kevin Rudolf for Pete Townshend.

Is it highly likely Paris Hilton will drop one album and never be heard from again on Cash Money? Absolutely. But given that Hilton has already mass marketed herself (in more ways that one) over the course of several years, Cash Money doesn't need to introduce her. All they need to do is throw Lil' Wayne, Nicki Minaj and a bunch of EDM artists and producers on the album and boom, an instant gimmicky hit...even if it is only good for one album cycle and club tour.

What I'm saying here definitely goes against my usual feelings on signing gimmicks or "one and done" artists, but you need to look at Young Money/Cash Money like a good sports team. They have surrounded themselves with true artists or skilled veterans of the game (Drake, Nicki Minaj, Lil' Wayne, DJ Khaled) much like a good sports team has its anchor players. And then, this allows the label to go and take chances or quick cash-ins (Paris Hilton, Limp Bizkit, Bow Wow, Mystikal) much like a sports team will sign a once successful player who just might have one last good season in them.

Is the signing of Paris Hilton everything that's wrong with the music business? Maybe. But you know that whole "business" part of the music business? Yeah, that's where the money is made.

broken links - May 22nd, 2013

broken cool — Wed, 22 May 2013 07:30:19 -0400

Sony Corp to Put Suggested Entertainment Spin-Off to its Board: Report (Billboard.biz)

BMG Concludes Acquisition Of Virgin Music And Famous UK Music Publishing Copyrights (Mi2N)

Radio Wars: Google 1, Apple 0 (MBT)

How Google Music, Spotify and other subscription services compare (LA Times)

Record Labels and the JOBS Act (Music Business Journal)

Speak On It: Free Music Doesn't Have To Mean Rushed Music

broken cool — Wed, 22 May 2013 07:14:43 -0400

Quality over quantity. Somewhere along the way, many in Hip-Hop forgot this mantra. As the tools available to artists have increased, the sheer amount of music available for free has gone through the roof. Some of this music doesn't even deserve to see the light of day while the rest of it, while listenable, suffers from the fast food MP3 world we live in now.

Take someone like Lil' B or Chief Keef or Rick Ross. While they have created an audience for their music (and in Keef's and Ross's case, an audience willing to pay for some of it), they have also over saturated peoples ears to the point where many of them can't tell quality material from the garbage. Yes, mixtapes/free albums are a beneficial way for someone like Rick Ross to create buzz around an impending official album release, but when that album comes out and is the same quality as the free album or mixtape, the consumer begins getting confused and ultimately (at some point) loses some or all interest.

Free music is a great promotional tool for artists, but I'm not of the school of thought that all music should free. In fact, I even think there is life left in CDs (I'll save that for another post). Give your fans free music. Much like sampling in a grocery store, they are going to need a taste before opening their wallet to spend money on your music...but take your time. I can't think of ANY recording artist I would want a mixtape or free album from every month or even every 3 months. The artist I'm working with, Connor Evans, spends months crafting his projects. His first album came out in May 2012, followed by an EP in November 2012 and his new album will be released in June 2013...and keep in mind he is a "new" artist. And even though he is trying to build an audience, he isn't jamming music down peoples throats every week. He has allowed for some organic growth and provided quality over quantity.

Want to separate yourself from the pack? Trying to standout from the thousands and thousands of other artists releases song after song, album after album, and mixtape after mixtape? Spend some time creating quality music, build a strong team, create a plan and then give it to the people. Do the people want more? Great, but don't give it to them right away. Build anticipation and don't be worried about them forgetting about you. If you are giving them quality, they will wait and anticipate.

Video: With Months to Live, Zach Turned To Music To Leave A Lasting Message

broken cool — Tue, 21 May 2013 15:34:38 -0400

Learn more about Zach's journey here.

From YouTube:

Zach's song, 'Clouds' is available on iTunes and other online music stores and that proceeds benefit the Zach Sobiech Research Fund of Children's Cancer Research Fund http://www.childrenscancer.org/zach

Zach Sobiech passed away May 20, 2013. Our hearts and prayers are with his family and friends. We are forever touched by his story. Thank you for sharing your life and music with us, Zach. You are dearly missed and loved.

broken links - May 21st, 2013

broken cool — Tue, 21 May 2013 07:44:40 -0400

Daft Punk’s ‘Random Access Memories’: A Timeline of the Global Teaser Campaign (Billboard.biz)

Midia digs deeper into freemium digital-music business models (Music Alley)

The Entire Music Publishing Industry Is Peeved At Sony For Delaying iRadio (Cult of Mac)

Taylor Swift Dominates Billboard Music Awards (FMQB)

Songkick Detour And The Middle Class Musician (Music Industry Blog)

The Billboard Music Awards Ratings Were Up 28%...But Did It Have Anything To Do With Music?

broken cool — Tue, 21 May 2013 07:38:10 -0400

Billboard Music Awards was the big winner on the weekend, pulling in an audience of 9.47 million, coming in at #1 in the coveted 18-49 demographic. And while the show was packed with superstar performances, one would think that the 28% viewership increase was spurred on my social media and the show's many "shareable" moments.

MIGUEL'S LEG DROP

This is still something else to watch:

Thankfully, the girl was ok but Miguel "adorning" the woman with his leg became an instant social media smash, hitting the Twitter trending topics and no doubt pushing some people to tune in to see what happened (or what would happen next). Miguel's leg drop has spawned countless memes, videos and even the Hulkster gave props:

MIGUELAMANIA at least he did it right brother. HH
— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) May 20, 2013

Oh, and Lawler and JR call the drop:

BOOING THE BIEBS

Shout out to Jesus Christ. As Bieber accepted an award at Sunday's event, the crowd let him have it as boos rained down. Bieber then went on to talk about only being 19 and doing a really good job and sumthin, sumthin, sumthin. Justin Bieber being booed? On the Billboard Awards? What else could possibly happen at this show? This mentality is what USED to make the MTV Music Awards must-see television, where you didn't know what was going to happen next...but then, Yeezy interrupted T.Swizzle and the show became safe.

KID ROCK

Gotta love Kid Rock man. Following Selena Gomez and Chris Brown, Kid Rock asked the crowd to give props to people lip syncing over pre-recorded music. It was everything right and everything wrong about music at the same damn time. Sure, one of Kid Rock's biggest songs hijacks and duck tapes "Sweet Home Alabama" but the Kid has been pretty consistent in his stance against the music establishment. Yet another shareable moment.

NICKI MINAJ ALMOST SENDING LIL' WAYNE BACK TO THE HOSPITAL

The fun begins at 2:04:

If all else fails, sex sells and Nicki knows. During their performance at the Billboard Awards, the Barbz gave Weezy F. a lap dance live on-stage. A risky decision given Lil' Wayne has been recovering from a string of seizures. Wayne looked happy if not tentative in receiving the thunder...oh yeah, they performed a song too.

Dear MTV,

Here is your formula for the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards:

- Kanye West

- Cognac

- A microphone

- More cognac

All of this = ratings.