Video Blog: Why Aren't North and South Carolina Artists Blowing Up?

So why aren't North and South Carolina artists blowing up? There is plenty of talent here, so what is holding us back? Let's See what DJ Chuck T. has to say by clicking the link below:

{{ DJ Chuck T Shares His View On The State of Carolina Hip Hop }}

How Much Does It Really Cost To Break A Record Main Stream? The Answer May Shock You!

So one of the questions I get asked the MOST frequently is how, and more importantly HOW MUCH does it cost to actually break a record main stream. And even though I have heard many answers to this question even to the upwards of $100,000, I was reading an article this morning that may interest you guys. Check it out below:


{Sourced from 'Makin It Magazine' 09/15/2014}

We asked a panel of seasoned radio programmers and industry professionals, “How much money does it take to start pushing a single?” After a few minutes of discussion about relationships and passion, we were presently surprised to get a very honest and straightforward answer from Sonja Norwood, music consultant and mother to R&B Super-stars Brandy and Ray-J.

Stating in very simple terms, she explained that artist should be ready to spend roughly $50,000 for phase one of their campaign. This means $50,000 should be set aside to cover your Publicists, Radio, Travel, Marketing, Promotion, etc for the first three months. That $50,000 does not include the production cost of the record (Beat, Features, Recording, Clearances, etc). That $50,000 covers the first 3 months and when that phase is complete you will need more money for phase two of your campaign.

When the words $50,000 left her lips, I could hear the hearts and dreams of independent artists across the room shattering in unison. The room stood still. Major labels and publicists have done such a masterful job selling people on these rags to riches stories that people neglect the years of hard work and small FORTUNES spent to make those successes possible. The truth is, most independents haven’t and will never spend $50,000 TOTAL on their music, let alone solely on promotion for a 3 month period. Instead, many jump from one “get-on-quick” scheme to the next, spending money on whatever sounds like the most popular option of the day. They scrounge together money for Worldstar, Livemixtapes, Radio Promo or Opening for Major Artists. They often spend the majority of their money on big ticket promotional gimmicks without ever having put together an underlying plan.

The purpose of this article is not to disparage any promotional service or dissuade artists from doing music. My intention is to simply open artists eyes to a very basic truth… YOU CAN NOT EXPECT $50,000 RESULTS WHEN YOU’RE NOT SPENDING $50,000! You have to understand how much it really costs to get the results you are looking for. Once you understand that, you can be realistic with your goals and spend your money much more effectively. Artists often come to us complaining about the money they've spent on publicists, shows and campaigns with other companies and how they didn't get anything out of it. When we start asking questions, it's easy to see the problem was less with the service than with how they used it or what they expected to gain from it. Often the campaign failed because they could only afford PART of a plan. You can’t look at a $50,000 campaign, decide to do one piece of it and expect the same results. Spending your entire $5,000 budget on radio but having no money for supplemental promotional material, Public Relations, DJ Servicing or traveling to the markets to support your record will not get you shows. Worse, in six weeks your song will be snatched from rotation and you’ll be left with nothing but some BDS reports and stories about that song you had on the radio.

In summary, independents often focus on the results they want with no regard to what they will need to invest to yield those results. This is why an artist can talk at length about wanting to get on the radio, paid shows and touring but then look dumbfounded when asked what their budget is. If you have $50,000 set aside for PHASE ONE, you’re in good shape, but If you don’t, you need to start re-evaluating your goals. Understand, it is possible to take the $5,000 you do have and help build your brand and position you for potential sponsors and investors. It is possible to take the $2,500 you do have and properly structure your business to secure a $50,000+ line of credit so you can finance your own project and keep 100% control and ownership. But these are all options you won’t think to explore as long as you keep operating in the dark about your budget.

- See more at: http://www.makinitmag.com/blog/how-much-does-it-really-cost-break-new-record-answer-might-shock-you#sthash.2GzlebPz.dpuf

Creating An Internet Presence - Digital Distribution

Hi guys!!

So we all know that the industry changes daily. The methodologies that worked in the 90's, no longer work in 2014. We live in a "hot pocket" society and in order to keep fans and create new ones, we have to make every thing EXTREMELY accessible. Basically, at your finger tips. Hence, why the digital world has taken over the industry. People aren't buying records as frequently any more, and many record stores have basically gone out of business. RARELY, nowadays do you see record stores, and long aisles with cd's in stores any more. Why? Because of the word, DOWNLOAD.

Downloading and streaming music is not only more convenient, as you can do it from home or a cell phone, it also makes choosing what you actually WANT to hear, even easier. You can download only the songs you want and leave the rest, as well as it being a lot faster. You no longer have to drive 10 miles to the nearest f.y.e to get your favorite track. Every thing again, is AT YOUR FINGER TIPS.

But before we go any further, let's make sure every one understands what Digital Distribution actually is. Digital distribution is the process of releasing your music online and placing your music in online retail stores. Unlike physical distribution, which is the placement of your music in actual physical stores such as Target, Walmart, etc, DIGITAL distribution is a lot cheaper, easier to get, and can help you get your music to a larger audience, faster. Literally, over night.

So how can a new artist on a budget get his music to the masses? How can an artist on a budget, who is NOT signed to a major label, still be able to make an impact online and reach his target audience new and old, without breaking the bank? Take a look below at an email I sent an artist who inquired about this with me just last night. The email below is a recap I sent to him this morning, to follow up our conversation. Mind you, though I'm GIVING you this information free, there are a lot of of people who make a living charging big bucks, as consultants, SELLING YOU this same info. Consider yourself privileged. ♥♥


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Hi Tyler!

So just to follow up on our conversation from last night here are the links that I think may give you a good jump start on creating an online presence. I went through the sites and got the links for you so you don't have to search for them.


Digital Distribution
Tune Core - This is the site I told you would create you an iTunes account for you in addition to other digital distribution outlets like Google Play, Spotify, Amazon.com, etc.

http://www.tunecore.com/


Press Kits (Electronic) -

If you were interested in creating the EPK we spoke about, here is a great site you can create one on without paying hundreds of dollars. EPK's run about 4 to $500. This will save you lots of money. In addition, there are several major industry heads who use this as well. Look at the samples, they are DOPE. They look like mini websites. And depending on how well you create yours, you may not even need a website in addition to this.

http://www.myppk.com/

Sample: http://www.powerpresskits.com/PPKs/indexC.aspx?PPK=3989


Reverbnation "PromoteIt"

Now, let's say you didn't want to use Tunecore, or MY PPK, you can always use Reverbnation. Reverbnation has a promotions department of it's own that does really well in regards to digital distro and press kits. Go to the links below and check it out. It's pretty neat.

You can get ad space: http://www.reverbnation.com/promote

You can get Digital Distribution (Includes iTunes): http://www.reverbnation.com/band-promotion/how-to-sell-music-on-itunes

You can get Press Kits: http://www.reverbnation.com/band-promotion/epk-electronic-press-kits

MTV Beta

Here is another artist site that can help build your online Buzz: With this site you can link your other sites, like FB, Twitter, IG, etc. so that when you click one, they are all tagged together making it easier to Google you. Because the real key to creating an online presence, is the ability to be able to "Sync" your sites and relevant information, allowing you to pop up in search engines, etc.

http://www.mtv.com/artists/about/

So! Hope this gets you started. I have tons more info and sites with ways you can create an online presence as well as how to get some major media placements on sites such as All Hip Hop.com, Hype Magazine, etc. And just remember, with the internet, you can LEARN ANY THING. All you have to do is put in the time. I spend some times 3 - 4 hours PER DAY researching and learning this industry. I'm up all night some times! That way, NO ONE can sell it to me. And you should do the same.  But! If you're still too busy after reading this, or is not internet savvy enough to figure this stuff out yourself, you should then hire some one to do it for you. Nowadays this industry is like 30% talent, 70% BUSINESS. Your best bet is to find some one who knows it.

Please call me if you have further questions. ♥

Vivian Cash| Indie Promoter| Founder, C.B.M

(( AUDIO DOPE)) TDK - Tape Deck Killer - Produced By Showdown Beatz

Tre'Game New Official Video "May Sound Crazy"

"The Music Business Is Worse Than The Dope Game....." Ummmm....Ooookay?

Often I hear people say this. And often I give them the same confused and bewildered look I have given to many people time and time again. Ummmm..... the dope game? I don't even smoke cigarettes! How can I possibly understand the correlation of the music industry to a crack cocaine dealer? Right. I'm still confused.
But after constantly studying, and peddling my way through the industry I have realized a few basic truths that may encompass the meaning behind the dope game phrase, as well as running across some one who may be able to help us.

For one, 80% of the people in this business are dishonest. They will steal from you, lie to you, and basically do any thing they can to get that next "fix" i.e. deal, to include almost selling their souls to the devil. Which, is where I believe the phrase "This business is worse than the dope game" actually comes from. Buuuuut..... if not, I'm still confused.

But! In my travels I have been very fortunate to meet some very loyal and experienced pioneers in the industry beginning with Robert Terell. Mr Terell is the owner of Wealth Nation, a quickly growing and dynamic Management Firm catering to Indie Artists and Labels seeking that extra "push" in their careers and network. Take a look at an excerpt I was able to find summarizing his experience breifly:

(Hype Magazine) "Robert Terell is a serial entrepreneur, whose areas of expertise include brand development, personal finance and business management. Terell has more than 16 years of experience in the entertainment industry including; business management, A&R, international marketing and deal negotiation. He currently holds the position of A&R Director and Project Manager with IMG Recordings, which is distributed via Warner Brothers, Sony, EMI and Universal Music Group." Needless to say, he is "DA PLUG".

Fortunately for me I was able to briefly encounter Mr. Terell as I was applying for a position as an Entertainment Executive for Wealth Nation. During my initial interview he candidly and honestly discussed with me the "New Dynamic" of the music indsutry, and how the age of walking into a label and getting signed off of "being hot" with no internet presence or numbers has pretty much gone down the drain. He explained that in 2014 you need money, and above that, you need a plan. In other words, direction in this industry is much more important than speed. As there are 43 million unsigned artists in the world going nowhere, FAST.

But as I usually do, once my interview was over I began to research Wealth Nation, as well as Mr. Terell just to double check his accomplishments and accolades to find that he is VERY connected and well versed in the music industry, as well a teacher, motivational speaker, mentor and father. In addition, as I was reading an excerpt from an article in Hype Magazine (that I sourced for much of the information in this blog) I was able to find out a few of the initial questions that he asks artists BEFORE working with them, that could not only better prepare an unsigned artist for working with him, but also help an unsigned artist gage what areas they need to focus on period, so that they may be better equipped to speak with industry executives. Please see the excerpt below: (Source Hype Magazine)

 What do you seek to learn about each artist prior to working with them?

1. What is their REAL budget? What portion do they have access to NOW!!

2.What does their current online/offline presence look like right now? Ie: social media, blog sites, press, etc. What’s their street buzz like in their own market and surrounding markets? Do they have a genuine fanbase? What equity has been built into their brand locally, regionally, and nationally?

3.What is their ultimate objective? A Major Record Deal? Distribution Deal? Label Deal? Management? Licensing Deal? Merchandising? Etc.

4. What’s their personality like? Worth Ethic? Ability to listen? Focus? Passion? Discipline?

5. What is their industry IQ?

6. Who are they currently working with? Ie: Management, Producers, Labels, Networks, and other Artists

7. What type of deals are they in or have they signed and what’s the status of those deals?

Great right? Exactly! Very pertinent information for an artist who is serious about his or her career and who is looking to make the right moves, with the right people. I, of course read the entire article, in which I will put the link below, so that you can read it later for more resourcing and information.


So! That pretty much sums up our "Dope Game" lesson for today. Lol! Brief it was, but very informative. If applied correctly and carefully, you can take that tid bit of information about Mr. Terell, Wealth Nation, and his thoughts on the "New Industry Dynamic", and position yourselves to take your musical career to new heights. I charge you to research him, study his business model as I will, and make sure your head is in the game. Not the dope game though, the REAL game, called LIFE. Which for most of us, this music is just that, our life.

Until next time!!!!! I wish you Love! Peace! Annnnnnnnnd SOOOOOOOUL!!!!!!!!! ♥♥♥

Hype Magazine Link - Story on Robert Terell and Wealth Nation: http://www.thehypemagazine.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=244:who-is-robert-terell-&catid=39:rokfeature

NC Artist Profile - "Lil Drex" of EatCity/SoFresh Ent.

Artist: Lil Drex

Genre: Rap/Hip Hop

Place of Birth: Fort White FL

Cross over artist Courtney Williams  aka  “ Lil Drex “ refers to his movement as “poetry in motion”. Drex possesses both the talent and musical passion to turn heads in the entertainment/music industry with his charisma, astounding studio resume, as well as street credibility all obtained at a very  young age.

Florida native Lil Drex left home at an early age, allowing him to suffer experiences that would cause most young artists to lose focus. Instead, Drex rose above his adversity, using his music as a vehicle of healing and expression, gaining him both momentum and recognition as an ‘urban poet’, and positive role model to those in his community. Drex maintains the facts that though he has suffered through much emotionally, music has become his source of strength, and the tool he uses to speak to, and through others.

Drex cites his lyrical influences to the likes of Tupac, Master P and Trick Daddy. All artists, whom like Drex, have risen from poverty and used life’s struggle to become a muse for authenticity in their music. However, Drex chooses not to focus his lyrics or message on the struggle, but yet the solution that can be resolved through personal and positive choices, the premise behind the ‘Lil Drex’ and SoFresh Entertainment movement.

As a progressive artist Drex has gained experience through numerous performance venues  and tours to include opening up sold out concerts for Juvenile, Mystical, French Montana, Rocco, Yo Gotti, Jeezy, Lil, Webbie and Trick Daddy, to name a few. Currently working on a dual mix tape drop, now preceding two previous underground mix tapes already circulating, “Thug Living Vol. 5” and “The Lil Drex Show”, Drex is confident that his new dual mix tape drop will be his most successful street debut yet, second only to his album drop, set to hit the streets late summer 2013.