My "Hidden Money" in Your Music Business deal sold out in 17 minutes.  Thank you for the great response.  I'm looking forward to personally working with everybody!

Have had several emails and calls from people who still want to get in.  Unfortunately, I'm unable to take on any more people at this time.  My schedule simply won't allow it.

Will I do this again?  Possibly, but I'm not planning to at this time.  However, you'll be the first to know, should I change my mind, if you subscribe to this blog via feed.  But don't hold your breath...  The last time I did anything similar was in 2005.

Again, thank you for your interest!

Have you ever been in this situation?  Most musicians have...

You've practiced for hours...  You've scraped money together to get the equipment needed to write, perform, and record...  You've dealt with the frustrations of putting the band together, finding just the right mix of players who can create the sound you've been hearing in your head for so long...

Now you've got some really great music.  You want the world to hear it.

But you're being stopped in your tracks, because you've got no money.  It's frustrating.   Simply put, this lack of money is limiting you from being able to reach the people that want to hear your music.

But it gets even more painful... Not only do you need money to be able to reach music fans, the companies that have money to invest in you, the major labels, publishing companies, and managers, want to see that you're making money before they'll even consider talking to you.

It's a Catch 22.  But here's the good news.

You no longer have to feel this way.  I can help you.

Before I tell you exactly how, let's look at the facts...

FACT: If you want to be taken seriously as a professional musician, you must prove to the people in music industry that you can make money with your music.

But as daunting as that sounds, you don't have to worry...  I'll help you prove that your music is viable and makes money.

Whether you're idea of "making it" is getting a major label record deal or simply being able to play a gig at your local music venue, you'll never do either one if you can't demonstrate your ability to make money in the music business.

Sure, people who work in this industry, whether record label executives or booking agents, love music, but they're in business...and it takes money to stay in business.  Regardless of how much they love your music, there is only so much they can do for you, if you're not making money.

But if you are making money, they can do a lot for you...

When you've proven to the industry that you have music people will buy, a show people will come to, and a real business that makes money, they'll knock down your door with:

• record deals
• publishing contracts
• big budgets for promotion
• tour support
• everything it takes to get your music to the masses

FACT: A "good song" isn't enough anymore.

If you aren't making money with your music, nobody will pay attention to you.  This industry isn't the same as it was even five years ago.  Labels, management companies, and publishers are looking for "proven" product that they know they'll make money with. 

Simply put, before major labels, publishing companies, or anybody else in the music industry will take your seriously, these companies want to know what you've got will sell.

That's where I come in...

FACT: I can help you make money with your music.

Since 1995, I've worked with hundreds of bands, record labels, and management companies to increase profit centers, sell more music, and make more money on everything that they do.  And I can help you find this "hidden money" within your music business, too.

It's money (often times, a lot of it) that you didn't know you had...

Have you ever checked the pockets of a jacket you haven't worn in a while,only to find a $20 bill?   That's the feeling you'll get when I discover the "hidden money" in your music business.

I can help you build your music business into something that makes money...

- on every show you play...
- on every album you release...
- on everything you do...

If you've got the music and you're working to promote it, but seem to be getting nowhere, I can help you "tweak" a few things to get you on the right track...and making the kind of money that will get you major label attention.

FACT: You're not making as much money with your music as you should be. 

What I mean by that isn't that you're lazy or that the world is "unfair" or something; it's that you're not taking advantage of money-making opportunities that are right in front of your face...right now.  Perhaps this is because you're not sure how to go about taking advantage of these opportunities.  Or maybe you don't know that they even exist.

Regardless, you're losing a lot of money right now...and I can help you take care of that problem, with a simple phone call.

I want to help you "plug the leaks" in your system.  I want to help you make sure you're generating the most amount of money you possible can and make sure major labels, publishing companies, and managers don't pass you over, simply because you need help with your music marketing.

How it works... 

The process is simple...

1. You book time with me.  See below for information on how to do that.

2. You fill out a quick "intake" form with information about what you're doing to market your music and what you think you need help with.

3. We schedule an appointment that works for both of us.

4. I get on the phone with you and tell you how to fix your music marketing problems.

5. You sell more music, get more people to your shows, and make more money in the music business.

FACT: If you want to get on the phone and personally work with me one-on-one, this may be your only opportunity.  

I love working with musicians and songwriters one-on-one, where I can really "go deep" with them and come up with new ways for them to make money with their music, increase fans, get more web traffic, and otherwise live their dreams.  The problem I have is finding the time to do it!

Unfortunately, I can't help everybody.

You see, my time to work one-on-one with people is extremely limited.  As I've gotten more involved with broadcasting and publishing, I've had to cut way back on the amount of clients that I personally work with.

I don't feel too guilty... I've written plenty of books on the music business, which you can always pick up on Amazon for around $15.  And you can listen to my radio show weekly, of course. 

But for those who really want to "go big" and get huge results, working with me personally is the best way for me to help you to:

• Get more people to your shows.
• Sell more music.
• Make more money in the music business.

FACT: If I can't help you to find AT LEAST two new streams of income for your music within the hour we spend together, I'll refund your money.

And while we're on the subject of money, let's talk about how much an hour with me will cost you.  Depending on your situation, it will cost you one of two things...

If you're signed to a major label or have a deal with a major publishing company, your rate is $335.  If you've sold over 100,000 records, your rate is $335.  Call my office at 615-460-9595 to arrange payment and schedule an appointment.

If you're an independent artist or songwriter, your rate is only $97, but there are a few rules...

1. You pay upfront.  I only have 10 slots available, so I need you to commit to one of them now.  Assuming there are slots still available, a payment button is below.  Once you pay, my assistant will contact you about scheduling an appointment with me at a time the is convenient for both of us.

2. I want to talk to you within three weeks.  Let's not drag this out.  If you're not ready for my help now, please leave the space open for somebody who is.

3. This special rate is for phone only.  I'll call you on my dime, regardless of where you are in the world.  And yes, this applies to you, even if you're here with me in Nashville. 

4. This special rate is for one-on-one consulting with independent musicians and songwriters.  "One-on-one" means YOU talk to ME.  If you want me to work with your entire band, your manager, your wife, your booking agent, or anybody else, call my office at 615-460-9595 and talk to my assistant.

I have 10 "one-on-one" slots available.  If you want one, get it now...

I don't do this often.  The last time I did anything similar was in 2005. 

Why?  I'm simply too busy with my radio show, publishing company, books, and other projects to do one-on-one consulting at this price.  In a nutshell, I can reach more people and make more money elsewhere.

So why am I doing one-on-one music marketing help for so little?  It's actually quite selfish...

Working with independent musicians and songwriters helps to keep my ear to the street.  When we can talk personally, I get a better understanding of what it is you're trying to accomplish...and solutions which I develop for you eventually end up in the books I write and seminars I give.

I'm in Nashville, so I see independent musicians and songwriters all the time...and we often do things like this networking party, which got me in front of over dozens of people in one evening.

In short, I need material for events like these. :)

If you feel $97 is too much for me to personally get on the phone with you, really dig in to what you're doing, come up with a custom solution for your marketing problems, as well as show you the "hidden money" in your music business, that's fine.  I hope that you'll get a free subscription to this blog, listen to Music Business Radio, and take advantage of what I'm giving you for nothing.

But if you're ready for me to personally take your current music marketing situation, finding all the holes in it, and help you attract the attention of major labels, publishing companies, and managers, all while making money doing what you love, let's go.

If you want to be one of the very few who gets this opportunity, here's your chance...

Work with me one-on-one for only $97...

One more thing...

Chances are, because you're here, that you know who I am and you've read at least this blog before.  And chances are, you've probably read my books on music marketing and listened to my syndicated radio show, Music Business Radio. But if you somehow happened to stumble upon this site and have no idea who I am or what I do, you might want to take a couple of minutes to read about me on Wikipedia, before you decide to work with me.

Know who I am and what I can do for you already?  Good.  I'm looking forward to working with you. :)

A big thanks to the 400+ musicians, songwriters, and other music business professionals who showed up last night to celebrate the 100th episode of Music Business Radio.  And a big thanks to BMI, especially Jody Williams, Erica Glidewell, and Nancy Moore, for allowing us to use their building.

We've been working on the show for every three years and it's been on the air for over two.  For me, time has flown by and a big reason for that is the AMAZING staff-- producer Gary Kraen, engineer Dan Buckley, editor Justin Hammel, and production coordinator Paige Presley.  Plus, we've had amazing support from Tuned In Broadcasting and our flagship station, Lightning 100 in Nashville-- owner Lester Turner, Program Director David Hall, Music Director Keith Coes, Promotion Director Jayson Chalfant, Laurel Creech of Team Green, Event Coordinator Keeley Reed, General Manager Fred Buc, Sales Manager Ken Austin, Marketing Consultants Tich McWilliams, Lesli Bills, and Cindy Felts, Business Manager Nadine Barbour, Director of Media and Technology Tom Hansen, and Media Content Coordinator Brian Waters.

Last night's event was a first of many, so watch for more soon.  As the show continues to be syndicated on broadcast radio stations throughout the country, we'll be taking thing on the road.

We gave away a lot of stuff, including guitars by Waterstone, scholarships to the Music Producers Institute, and other prizes from sponsors including Big Studios, and Avenue Bank.  Nobody left hungry or thirsty...  But the real value of last night's event was the networking.  Tons of "top shelf" people were in the audience.

See photos from the Music Business Radio 100th Episode Party here.

Make sure you don't miss out on MBR episodes or the next live event.  Subscribe to the MBR podcast.

Thanks again to everybody who showed up.  Looking forward to more events soon!

Have gotten enough emails on this that I think it's worth posting here...

Yes, even if you have to come from out of town, the Music Business Radio event next week is worth coming to.

Yes, all genres of music will be represented.  It's in Nashville, but you guys have heard the show-- we deal with a lot more than just country music.

But with that said, if you're in country music, you really need to be here.

It's easy to get online and think you're in the music business, but this is a business of relationships...and relationships develop best when you're in a face-to-face situation such as what we're doing this Wednesday.  If you're within a few hours by car, or have the means to fly in, I suggest making the effort to be here.

Rarely will you find so many important people (producers, managers, record label executives, etc) gathered in one place.  Sure, parties are common in the music business, but how many events at this level do you have access to?

Next week, I'll be posting photos from the event.  I want you in those photos-- not saying to yourself, "I missed out."

If you have any questions, feel free to post them here.  I'll personally get back to you with an answer.

And for those who want the official invite...

Please note:

This invite is being sent to people who are in the business and know where BMI is, which is why there is no address on it.  So just to make sure you know where to go...

BMI Nashville
10 Music Square East (View Map)
Nashville, TN 37203-4399
(615) 401-2000

We just reached a big milestone for Music Business Radio, so we're throwing a party for all the great listeners who have helped to put us on the map.

As you can imagine, we've connected with a lot of great people over the last couple of years...not only guests on the show, but publicists, journalists, radio programmers, and others involved in the music business.  These are the kinds of people you'll meet at this event.

This is your chance to personally connect with:

• producers
• publicists
• record label executives
• top songwriters
• and other music industry professionals

And not only will you make great industry connections, you'll also walk away with some really good stuff to help your music career...

First 200 people get a free copy of my best-selling audio book, CD Release Party Strategies: Insider Secrets for Independent Bands, Musicians, and Songwriters--How to Have a Major Label Event on a Shoestring Budget.  And I just found a big box of this music business audio book, which I'll be giving away also...as long as copies last. :)

Plus, we've got some great sponsors who have stuff to give you...  We'll be giving away guitars from Waterstone Guitars, studio time at Big Studios, full scholarships to Music Producers Institute, and more from Music Business Radio sponsors like Avenue Bank and our flagship station, Lightning 100.

Starving musician?  No problem...  The Food Company will give you plenty to eat and drinks will be provided as well.

Feel free to bring along members of your band, your manager, or others involved with you and your music business career.

More info...

Date and Time:

Wednesday, August 13
5:30 - 7:30 PM

Location:

BMI Nashville
10 Music Square East (View Map)
Nashville, TN 37203-4399
(615) 401-2000

Taped an episode of Music Business Radio with drummer Gregg Bissonette a couple of days ago.  Gregg has played with a wide range of artists, both onstage and in the studio, including David Lee Roth, Don Henley, Duran Duran, Ray Charles, and Carlos Santana.

As I was doing pre-show stuff, a lot of funny stuff about David Lee Roth popped up.  Including this...

Got me thinking about the American Idol audition process...

It works on one level, but I think this video, even though it's a joke, does a pretty good job of showing what would happen had somebody like David Lee Roth came through the door.  American Idol, and other "systems" like it, just aren't made for somebody like David Lee Roth.

And they may not be made for you either.

I get a lot of email from acts who are frustrated that they don't fit into the mold and feel that what they're doing doesn't appear to be working in the current manifestation of the music business.  I hope the above video makes you feel better, because not fitting in may actually be your best asset as far as a longterm career.

In 20 years, it's doubtful that we'll remember Miley Cyrus as more than a teenager who had a few good months topping the pop music charts.  And it's more doubtful that we'll remember anybody who is on the current season of American Idol.  But David Lee Roth will be remembered as the front man for one of the biggest rock acts of all time.

CD Baby has been sold to Disc Makers.

I think it's great.  Derek Sivers is a sharp guy and he's doing what he feels is best for the company and its customers.  And this leaves him free to pursue other opportunities, which will help musicians in other ways.

If Derek had simply wanted to "cash in" on CD Baby, he could have done it a long time ago.  I know he's had plenty of opportunities to.

Disc Makers is a company which has been helping independent musicians to get their music released since 1946.  They're committed to the same things as CD Baby, so it's a good match.

For those of you who aren't familiar with Disc Makers, here's an interview I did with of their top guys, Andre Calilhanna, for Music Business Radio.  He talks about the history of the company as well as what they're doing to help independent music, including their annual Independent Music World Series.

I'm excited to see what they do with CD Baby!

Thoughts?  Post 'em below...

Interesting video from Kid Rock.  Yes, downloading music without paying for it is stealing, but it's a bit different than the examples he's giving here.  For one, you're not downloading an original recording, you're downloading a digital copy of it...which costs the manufacturer nothing.  It's hardly like stealing a physical product such as an iPod or pair of pants, since the original seller still has something to sell.

Post comments below...

It time for another episode of Funny Musician Emails...

Dear David Hooper!!!

Thank you very much for your E-mail.

I can explain to you only one think, if you need my music  I can working with you only by contract, not free.

America the money country and no body working  here free. I not volunteer, if you have good deal with good money I can work ,if not, this is O.K. for me too.

Good luck you Michael

This guy seems to be on my "free marketing help" mailing list.  So as far as his statement about nobody working for free, he's wrong there. Or is he?

I have free stuff, like this blog, because I like to help musicians, but it's also lead generation for me, which brings people into my paid services.   

I do this because most musicians feel they can't afford me...or simply don't know me.  Once they see the value of what I've got for free, many want to hire me...even though I only take on new clients by referral.

The point is, it's not a bad idea to give something away for free, as long as you have a plan to monetize it.  So don't be afraid to do that.  A free download costs you almost nothing, but could mean big returns for you with more album sales, more people to your shows, and more connections.

Are you talking to your online fans?

And by "talking," I mean that literally!

You're in the music business.  You know how powerful audio is.  And online, it's fastest, easiest, and most economical ways to increase album sales and get more people to your shows.

You can go WAY BEYOND just music. Check this out...

* Collect audio testimonials from club owners and fans, then post them on your online press kit.  Let these testimonials get your next gig for you.

How to you get them?  If you use a service like Xiosoft Audio, you just email your best fans (or happy club owners) a link.  Then they follow a 4-step sequence, and you have an audio testimonial - complete with photo - to add to your website.

* Send audio in an email.  An "audio postcard" will help to build a real relationship with fans, using the power of your voice.

* Add audio to your order pages, thank-you pages, and other secure areas with Xiosoft Audio's SSL publishing feature.

One reason I like Xiosoft Audio is that you can add audio to your website in two simple steps, using the phone or your computer's microphone.  The phone service is great if you're on tour.  You can do an "audio tour update" by calling a toll-free phone number.  Everything is posted automatically, so you don't need to touch a computer.

You can also upload previously recorded audio files, such as mp3s.  This is what we do with Music Business Radio and it works great.

Try it out for 7 days for just ONE DOLLAR, and if you like it, you can keep it for just $29.95 per month.
There are no long-term contracts, and you can cancel at any time.