SMES Music Business

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Below is a music business correspondence that I had with Mic Fiend Promotions concerning the SMES (Music Conference) in Myrtle Beach, SC 2008. I'm including this because you may be able to learn something new or be reminded of something that will help you along your journey in this business of music. The correspondence has been edited for clarity.

MIC FIEND PROMOTIONS ORIGINAL MESSAGE:

If it smells like sh&t, looks like sh@t and sounds like sh%t… It probably is!

And that ladies & gentleman Is exactly what some of the artists at the SMES artist showcase where. Let me ask everyone a question? Do you actually listen to your music before deciding to perform it or try to sell it? Think about that I'll come back to this...

SMES weekend was very good. The panels where informative and the panelists where actually approachable. They really wanted to talk artists and even joked [with them]. I want to give a special shout out to Neek from hot 103.9 in SC and 103 Jamz PD DJ Law in VA. These two radio personalities gave the closest explanation I've heard as to why your song can't get played on the radio. The reason is simple, there isn't enough money in your bank account and these people like their jobs. Just like you have to give labels a reason to spend millions of dollars on your music, you also have to give radio a reason to put their job on the line to [play] your new music. The only gripe I have is at times panelist can make things seem so easy when they know it's not. All in all, a hit record is what makes all those problems go away…

I was a little disappointed at how many attendees we had at the last panel, which was How to Form Your Indy label. You would think everyone would be there, but only a select few where there. It seems that most artists where more interested in kissing A&R's asses at the A&R panel...

PRIMO STAR, PRIMO STAR and PRIMO STAR. Man this guy gave a performance I would pay to see again. You jacked up the mood as well because no one could come behind you and put on such a memorable performance. My hat goes to you! I had a good time, met some people I wanted to meet and some that I didn't.

Artists Keep This In Mind:

You are a business. You represent what your company and music is about, take it serious, and people will take you serious. Attend these events, get knowledge and network. READ JAWAR'S BOOK! Don't just do it because he'll lecture you on it for 20 minutes during the conferences, Do it because the book is that damn good. He sells them for 19.95. I bought two. They're going for $50 apiece, lol. This guy is great! Thanks JaWar.

Shout [out] to Chubbz, James, Chuck T, B-lord, Cthagod, Frosty, Shera Bass, Shaheem Reid and 9^th Wonder (for making the Honey beat)… and everyone else that made the event great. See you at ATL record Pool… Shout to VA, and SC for coming in deep, and supporting...

JAWAR'S RESPONSE:

Ok, so you don't mind telling people what you think.. :-)

May I republish all are part of your message below? Did you get any video footage from the conference? Did I really lecture people for 20 min about getting the books, I must be getting soft in my older years I use to do it for 2 hours. LOL! THINK, PLAN, EXECUTE!

MIC FIEND RESPONDS TO JAWAR:

LOL, I like to be honest, but I put some humor in there. Gotta laugh and still get the message across. Of course, please do republish. You lectured for awhile, but i have to say it was the realest and best part of the [music] conference. I can tell you love this, I respect that. I'm trying to do my part in helping artists and still be honest and fun. Thanks my dude.

Music Business Career Goals

What are one to three points that will help you advance your music business and music career?

1)
2)
3)

What are three to five things you willing to do to accomplish these goals and objectives?

1)
2)
3)
4)
5)

Above you have a basic way to organize your thoughts (think) and turn your thoughts into a systematic carefully crafted (plan) of action. As you (execute) your plan you'll have no chance, but to succeed if only you never give up.

Try this exercise with something simple, start small at first to test the lesson. Once you bear witness that this works then you may move to something bigger and bigger until you get to where you want to get to. Then you'll get even bigger. There's nothing stopping you. You may want to say that I will get 50 new email addresses in 7 days or less. Craft your plan and make sure your plan is sound or it does not have the best chance of full success.

Tricky Montgomery who manages a number of platinum songwriters and music producers discussed this very idea during the SMES Music Conference in Myrtle Beach, SC. He went as far as to say that he studied either Jermaine Dupri (JD) or P. Diddy (I don't remember which one) and there business schedule. After studying them he created a plan which called for him to forecast 12 to 18 months into the future. It was this type of thinking, planning and execution that positioned Tricky Montgomery into negotiating a major music publishing situation for his songwriters and music producers. If he can do it so can you.

Within the Music Industry Connection Book Series is a wealth of wisdom, resources and practical steps to aid you in BOOSTING YOUR MUSIC BUSINESS and music career.

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JaWar Answers Music Business Questions

Many of you have asked similar music business questions so I'd thought it would be great to post my response from a reader of the Music Industry Connection Book Series.

CLIENT:
Hey, Maybe you can answer my questions online... I just wanted to know about how long is the norm for a request to be received from a [music] publishing company? Meaning to use the melody or sample...

JAWAR'S RESPONSE:
There is no norm. The factors to the turn around time are many. Who you are, who you know, who knows you, the size of the [music] publishing company, how much money you've made them, how much money they think you're going to make them. They are dealing with businesses everyday that they make money with, that they have a relationship with. Your questions and you come after a long list of businesses and people that have a long-standing inroad with the [music] publisher.

When you are ready to start with consulting sessions I will share detailed information with you on how to position yourself to make money in the music business without having to have a major label placement.

CLIENT:
I have been waiting almost three months now, but they told me that it would be no longer or at least thirty days. (publishing co.) Whenever I call the company they continue to tell me, "Well we haven't received anything yet." "But the good thing is that they haven't said no."

JAWAR'S RESPONSE:
The richest man in the world asked a college student with very little money if he would like to work for him for the next 20 years FOR FREE? The Rich Man was/is Andre Carnegie the college student was/is Napoleon Hill the author of Think and Grow Rich. Think and Grow Rich is the modern blueprint for the Personal Achievement/Self-Motivation Movement.

I guess that the best thing to do is to continue to be patient huh?

JAWAR'S RESPONSE:
THINK, PLAN, EXECUTE!

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RapSoulution for Music Business

RapSoulution highlights independent recording artist by featuring them inside the Internet based magazine published periodically. RapSoulution gives indie artist another outlet for exposure while education them on the music business as well, as the site features music business videos, links, articles and other resources.

Your next bit of media exposure may be inside RapSoulution. For full details on getting exposure in RapSoulution visit their site. Tell them JaWar sent you.

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Music Business Remember Me

Yesterday as I was driving from the Baltimore Music Conference returning to Atlanta a gentleman called me and said hey JaWar how's it going? I said things are going well. The gentleman started asking me what I had been up to. I stopped him mid sentence and asked who am I speaking with? He stating his name and proceeded to asked me how things were going, good I responded, I'm working with more serious clients.

How do you define more serious clients?

Yes, indeed those are clients in the music business who are ready and able to make the financial commitment (investment) for one-on-one consulting so that we may help them achieve their goals and realize their potential. The gentleman said that sounds good, I guess I will talk to you later and hung up the phone.

There are a few music business lessons to be learned from this experience.

1. Unless you know the person knows you for sure, don't assume they do.
2. It's a great idea to always state your name and how you met the person you're calling.
3. Always have a particular reason why you are calling a business contact.
4. The music business may be 24/7 for some and not for others, keep this in mind when calling during non-business days and hours.
5. The Truth is that the music business is built on relationships and building those relationships is often built on the perceived and actual value you bring to others.
6. Be patient as we are all at different points in the music business.

Unfortunately and fortunately I've made it a point to meet and greet large numbers of people in the music business on a regular basis. When speaking with someone I get so involved in the conversation the person thinks that I know them very well, but this is because I'm listening and engaging that person. When the person follows up with me they assume I remember the full breadth of our conversation or that I remember them for that matter. It usually takes the person to remind me of where we met and our conversation before it comes to me.

With that in mind I've made it a point when I'm contacting someone to always state my name, how and where we met and the conversation we may have had. This increases the likelihood that the person will remember me. Most importantly it does not make the other person feel uncomfortable speaking to someone they do not remember.

Music BusinessVideos by JaWar


JaWar is a Motivational Speaker, Author & Business Consultant. He speaks and consults on personal achievement, Internet marketing, monetizing (making money online) your Internet presence, SEO (search engine optimization), book publishing and the music business.

He has authored and published over 20+ paperback, audio and ebooks including the Music Industry Connection Book Series, while maintaining over 60+ websites, blogs and social networking profiles. He has spoken and appeared in over 50+ conferences, seminars, workshops, radio shows and publications. JaWar believes you may will your destiny into existence when you THINK, PLAN, EXECUTE!

Schedule JaWar as a Featured Motivational Speaker and a Business Consultant 678-887-4656 or 800-963-0949.

Truth about Music Conferences

Below is my response from a music business forum online where someone was disgruntled based on their experience with a music conference organizer.

While I'm a big advocate of going were you're wanted and investing time, money, resources and energy with those that do the same with you, I'm also a big advocate on keeping your eyes on the prize. Remember that there will be people from all over the country and some from other parts of the world who may be attending the conference.

The event is about you networking and learning more about the business. It's unfortunate that you didn't have the best interaction with the owner/organizer of the music conference, but the conference isn't about them. It's about the singer, songwriter, recording artist, musicians, music producers, etc. who are seeking to build their brands and music business, make connections and learn about the industry.

Keep these things in mind when making your final decision as to if you'll be attending or not. After all you never know who you'll meet at an event that may change your life forever.

One of the main reasons I wrote the TRUTH BOOK was to help attendees get the most out of their music conference experience. Read more about the TRUTH BOOK.

THINK, PLAN, EXECUTE!
JaWar

My Music Business Story Today

I have much to say, but don't really feel like talking about the music business right now. So I will waste your time by telling you a story. Leave if you must and stay if you'd like. Perhaps there's something to be learned in the story below.

A gentleman called me after hearing me speak at a music conference in Atlanta 2008. He said he really like what I had to say and appreciated me speaking to him after the panel was over. Of course, I said that's what we do, help others while helping ourselves at the same time.

I asked the gentleman how might I be able to assist him. He told me that he was a convicted felon and that he was looking for work. He stated most jobs he couldn't apply for because of his record. In attempting to be as polite as possible I told the gentleman while I'd like to assist him I was not an employment agency and that I wasn't clear on what he wanted. He said he'd like a position in the music industry, but right now he needed work. I told him me too. lol

Seriously, I told the gentleman that he'd need to remember four important things. First, always keep it positive. It will not always be easy and may not be simple, but keeping it positive was imperative to his long-term grows and success. The it was his mind set. Secondly, I suggested that he THINK. That's right THINK about what it was he truly wanted to do. Third, he should plan. By planning I mean to write down his thoughts on paper. Then fine tune his plan with research, actual facts and information that would help him achieve his goal and realize his potential. Fourth, was one of the most important steps. I suggested that after he has maintained a positive mental attitude, thought through what he wanted to do, the process and created a masterful plan the last thing for him to do was to put the plan into daily repititve action.

I must have said something to strike a nerve or maybe it was how I said what I said, because the gentleman thanked me and said in a sincere tone "you are that dude!" By that he meant you are the one. THE ONE -the one that has made a decision to do for self and share the process with others.

How is this relative to your success in the music business you ask? It may not be if you do nothing with the informaiton. However as you reread through the story you'll find a forumla that you may apply to achieving certain levels of success as an emerging recording artist, music producer, singer, songwriter, music manager or other music industry professional.

Music Industry Connection

Passing Up Music Business Money

Life in general and the music business in particular can be a strain if you allow it causing you to loose money and opportunity.

Not long ago I called someone who organizes music showcases in an effort to find out what they charged for artist to perform. Additionally, I wanted to find out if the person would be interested in hosting a special showcase for some of my overseas clients that were seeking to break into the U.S. Music Market.

I gathered from the tone in the persons voice that they were either tired and/or tired, I mean really TIRED of how the music showcase scene was being run, the music business and the economy in general. The person was polite in telling me they may not be doing another showcase for sometime and offered a list of others who might fit the bill. The funny thing is the person may have made money a bit easier than normal since it would have been a package deal with a number of artist prepaying to perform, which meant they would not have to deal with as many people and personalities. Unfortunately, we never got to this part of the conversation, because the person seemed so tired of the state of the music business and the showcase scene. They were very adamant about not doing another showcase for sometime.

Sometimes we pass up music business money and opportunities for a number of reasons. Remember to always stay focused and keep your eyes and ears open as you never know where, when and from who your next opportunity "BIG BREAK" will come from.

Music Business Interns Needed

MUSIC BUSINESS Seeking Volunteers For the Following Dates:

Sept 12 – Sept 13 Atlanta, GA
Sept 19 – Sept 21 Baltimore, MD
Sept 25 --------- Miami, FL
Sept 26 – Sept 26 Myrtle Beach, SC

You should live in the locations that you are volunteering/interning for as travel accommodations are not provided.

Volunteers Should Have The Following Characteristic Traits:

PMA (Positive Mental Attitude), Friendly, Outgoing & Pleasing Personality, Go-Getter Attitude, Winner Mentality, Optimistic, Willing to Go the Extra Mile and Such…

Volunteers May Do All Or Any Part Of The Following:

Work product table during music conferences
Collect email addresses, business cards, flyers
Distribute flyers & business cards
Assist with book signings
Video tape interviews
Conduct interviews
Have fun

Interns/Volunteers May Expect The Following:

Stand on their feet for long and extended periods of time.
Stay smiling and excited for long extended periods of time.
Meet and Greet Music Business Professionals.
Learn about the music business.
Have fun.

Two Ways To Submit Your Resume: Either One Or Both

1) Send your resume to hakimast[at]gmail[dot]com or reply back to the address above. The subject line should read GOJAWAR.COM.

2) Upload a video(s) to Youtube explaining why you want to volunteer/intern. Tag the video with “jawar” “music business” “music industry connection” “music conference” Since, you may be working directly with JaWar it’s important to know something about one of his books/ebooks, blog at gojawar.blogspot.com, videos or professional profile. Email your video Youtube link to hakimast[at]gmail[dot] com or reply back to the email address above.
SPECIAL NOTE: Include what dates and locations you’d like to volunteer/intern for.

Volunteers/Interns Will Receive:

Volunteers will learn about the music business.
Volunteers will meet with JAWAR.
Volunteers will be able to participate in a private group tele-seminar with JAWAR.
Volunteers will receive at least one of the Music Industry Connection Ebooks.

Following event evaluations volunteers/interns may be able to join the MIC TEAM

JaWar Talks With TJ Chapman

Recently, I had an interesting discussion with TJ Chapman, Founder, TJsDJs Record Pool about the present, the future and the past. We spoke about the recent TJsDJs Music Conference and Ozone Award Show in Houston, TX, the good, the bad and the ugly, the music business and a host of other things.

One of the things I asked TJ was what attributed to his success and longevity in the music industry. He mentioned treating people right, being flexible, being able to change with the industry and multi-task among other things. Additionally, TJ mentioned that he has always and continues to help others on the rise in the music business. He spoke about how many people from the south have come through his branding and marketing machine and have gone on to become national and international phenomenons either as recording artists, music producers, djs or industry executives.

TJ seemed poised and carried himself as a music business veteran as he spoke about the direction of TJsDJs and the big event he and Julia Beverly (JB) -Founder, Ozone Magazine have been able to organize and move around the United States over the past few years.

Oh, for those of you who want to know about the bad and the ugly look for a DVD yet untitled that gives you behind the scenes look at what it takes to move your business forward amongst an industry known to be plagued by sharks and back stabbers, lovers and players, the rich, the broke and everything in between (welcome to the music industry). With enough encouragement TJ may be tempted to produce and release this yet unititled DVD in 2009.

For info contacting TJ and the next quarterly TJsDJs Music Conference go to tjsdjs.com.

For more music business details visit...

Music Industry Connection
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Motivational Music Radio
Indie Music Conference
Music Conference List
Get Music Money

THINK, PLAN, EXECUTE -The Movement

Saving The Music Business

There use to be an experience with buying physical product that had music on it. That experience has changed and people are able to do that from the comfort of their own home, office, hotel room, park, cafe, etc. Soon that experience will morph again giving people the ability to enjoy a new experience while driving in their cars.

The few music retailers that will exist must create a new experience for customers. It isn't merely about buying a physical product that has music on it. It's about the movement, socialization, community and interaction that comes with it. It's about being about to speak directly with the artist, take pictures with them, interview them, etc. It's about engaging online media with traditional media and music retail stores, so music lovers get a full experience and walk away with music, t-shirts, concert tickets and photographs, etc. with their favorite artist.

While these things may not be able to be done for every music retail store with every artist, perhaps it may be executed with many local and regional artist and national super stars at certain locations and times when it makes sense (cents). Perhaps with certain artists, dates and locations they could bring the songwriters and music producers that made their release possible!

For more solutions on Saving the Music Business download...
Music Industry Connection Book Series
Lease Beats Make Money
Industry Pimping

Visit the Following Music Business Sites...
Los Angeles Music Showcase
Atlanta Music Showcase
Get Music Money

Grammy Producer & Motivtional Speaker

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT
Hakim Ast
hakimast at gmail.com
gojawar.com

Grammy Winning Multi-Platinum Music Producer & Motivational Speaker Nominated for Same Music Award

Atlanta, GA (Sept. 2, 2008) --For several years Janiro Hawkins II, Founder of the SEA’s (Southern Entertainment Awards) and staff have organized one of the most prestigious award shows and music conference throughout the southeast region of the United States.

Previous nominees and winners of the Southern Entertainment Awards include some of the most respected and accomplished djs, music publicists, music magazines, recording artist, music producers, models and industry power players. One of the things that make the Southern Entertainment Awards such a well respected brand and event is nominees and winners are chosen by their peers in the industry and the public at large by voting online at www.southernentawards.com/ballot/vote.html Additionally, the music conference component is free, giving anyone who truly wants to learn about the business of music the opportunity to do so with little obstacles.

Among the categories for this year’s Southern Entertainment Awards is the Industry Power Player Award.

JaWar, Motivational Speaker, Author and Business Consultant is honored to have been nominated for the coveted Industry Power Player Award along with DJ Toomp, Grammy Winning Multi-platinum Music Producer and others, but says “being nominated is merely a continuation of the burning desire, practical written plan and daily execution of that plan that others are beginning to recognize.” Additionally, JaWar states “this isn’t even about him, but about those who give the business 110%, it’s about those who’ve sacrificed, it’s about those who constantly get overlooked and underpaid what there worth, it’s about the people who’ve been to a Music Therapy 101 Music Conference, read a Music Industry Connection Book or experienced JaWar giving a motivational seminar during a music conference.” “This nomination is about you” JaWar states.

Because his nomination isn’t merely about him as much as it is about you, JaWar is asking for your vote to successfully win the coveted Southern Entertainment Industry Power Player Award by visiting www.southernentawards.com/ballot/vote.html

Finally, JaWar states he’s “running for the Southern Entertainment Power Player of the Year Award and he approves this message.”

ABOUT JAWAR:

JaWar, Motivational Speaker, Author and Business Consultant speaks and consults on personal achievement, Internet marketing, monetizing (making money online) your Internet presence, SEO (search engine optimization), book publishing and the music business. He’s authored and published over 20+ paperback, audio and ebooks including the Music Industry Connection Book Series, while maintaining over 60+ websites, blogs and social networking profiles. He has spoken and appeared in over 50+ conferences, seminars, workshops, radio shows and publications. JaWar believes you may will your destiny into existence when you THINK, PLAN AND EXECUTE.