Question: I saw what you were talking about on a website. I want to ask if you have any suggestions on good spots to book shows paid and unpaid for an artist I’m working with? - GMoney

Answer: [Laughing] if there was a list of just that, wouldn’t all of our jobs be that much easier?….  I suggest starting local and connect with establishments catering to the artist genre you represent and see if they host reputable showcases, open mics, concerts etc. that your client can participate in. Performing at these types of events will help build a physical buzz and brand development while putting you in the company of like-minded people to network with.

It’s also good to look into regional and national music conferences that offer opportunities for indie talent to perform. Some of the larger more established conferences offer infinite opportunities for emerging artists. Google & due diligence will provide you with these events.

Regardless whatever avenue you choose booking shows for emerging indie talent is a full time job that takes the ability to properly network with the right people. If all else fails look into retaining a reputable booking agent.

Good Luck!

Do you have something you’d like to know? Send me an email: contactsaidarie[@]gmail[dot]com and follow me on twitter at: www.twitter.com/leirapr_ceo

Arie, Is there a way to turn a profit with “free” projects? – S.M.

A: Short and sweet…. Yes, absolutely, especially in this day and age. The internet has created so many different ways to achieve profit from free projects, events etc.

First and foremost you must establish a fan-base or give possible supporters access to projects via an interactive, easily navigate-able website or blog, and use social media ( i.e. Twitter, Facebook and Myspace) etc. to your advantage.  People like supporting what they have a connection with.

Once there’s consistent traffic to those sites and a solidified following all you have to do is provide a project that can be branded or is marketable. This means creating QUALITY……

Next jump-start a campaign which entails giving something away for free that people will be interested in. If satisfied 9 times out of 10 they will purchase other things you put out and increase public awareness, CD, digital album and concert ticket revenue.  Cha Ching!!!

Good Luck!

Do you have something you’d like to know? Send me an email: contactsaidarie[@]gmail.com and follow me on twitter at: www.twitter.com/leirapr_ceo

Ayo Arie, I’ve been sending people my music through email and been receiving mad responses asking me to remove contacts and s%#t from my list. What should I do? - Amhir

My question for you: Are you spamming people? [Laughing] Please keep in mind, if each person you “share” your music with, didn’t voluntarily give you their email then YES you are spamming them and should remove them from your mailing list(s).

I’m not sure you fall into these categories, however in this industry there are two main ways people get the email addresses of those who they don’t personally know: ONE: From some idiot who contacted them and a million other people without knowing proper email etiquette aka “BCC” and TWO:They are gifted with the alpha and omega of email lists of both industry insiders and pop culture civilians via a good “industry” friend who slips it to them with a note that says “you didn’t get this from me!”.

If this is how you’ve been able to contact thousands of people, then STOP IT! You don’t want you or your music to be looked at as spam.

My advice….. The best way to share your music with those who actually give a crap is to get creative when you have people’s attention. Pass around an email sign-up sheet during your live performances and events. Those people in attendance OBVIOUSLY have interest in you [Laughing] OR set it up where in order for people to be able to download your next great piece of musical work for FREE, they must first sign up for your mailing list. (This may also entail you having fans, but I’m sure you’re already working on this process) [Laughing]

So with those two suggestions, take a moment and clean up your current email lists and get started on finding ways to properly collect the contacts of others.

Good luck!

Do you have something you’d like to know? Send me an email: contactsaidarie[@]gmail.com and follow me on twitter at: www.twitter.com/leirapr_ceo