I'm a member of thestudioexposed. com. Its another ning social networking site much like my hitsamillion.ning.com site. But thestudioexposed.com consist of Bryan-Michael Cox, Donnie Scantlebury, Adonis Shropshire, Kendrick Dean, Sam Thomas, Troy Clark, Jahi Sundance Lake and Don Bowie. The show is produced by Breht Gardner, Bryan-Michael Cox and Fred Bumaye.
Both hitsamillion.ning.com and thestudioexposed.com are really great networking sites for producers, songwriters, rappers, beatmakers, musicians, and singers to meet each other, find industry news and information, collaborate, talk to and ask questions of industry professionals, etc. So please add these two sites to the list of great social networking sites I recommended that you join!
I've been asking the good folks on thestudioexposed.com in a forum discussion about what it's like being a part of a production team and/or a songwriting team. Every one of the teams that responded to that forum all said how much they'd recommend songwriters and producers to join or form a team. In my upcoming posts, I'm going to share with you tips on forming a team, writing with a team, building your team and the benefits of being on a team. So continue reading!
Thedy B, Attorney/Songwriter
Hits A Million, LLC
hitsamillion.blogspot.com
Interviewed.blogspot.com
Musicpanels.blogspot.com
Mobilemusicbusiness.blogspot.com
Musiclabels.blogspot.com
globalmusicbusiness.blogspot.com
Showing posts with label Bryan-Michael Cox. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bryan-Michael Cox. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
25 or More Places to Network
(c) 2008 all rights reserved
In previous posts, I've given you over 40 tips on the do's and don'ts of networking at music conferences, the do's and don'ts of networking via email, upcoming music conferences to network at, telling you why networking is important and how it's helped me. Now I want to give you some physical places that you can network as a songwriter, producer, engineer, musician, artist, band, group, and music executive. Some of the places noted below are typical places but some are not typical. Later I will provide some more general places online where you can network.
myspace.com/hitsamillionllc - network with me!
hitsamillion.ning.com - network with others!
In previous posts, I've given you over 40 tips on the do's and don'ts of networking at music conferences, the do's and don'ts of networking via email, upcoming music conferences to network at, telling you why networking is important and how it's helped me. Now I want to give you some physical places that you can network as a songwriter, producer, engineer, musician, artist, band, group, and music executive. Some of the places noted below are typical places but some are not typical. Later I will provide some more general places online where you can network.
- music conferences - look for ones in your area, in other cities, and even abroad. Read my prior blogs and JaWar's blogs at atlantashowcase.blogspot.com and mymusicconference.blogspot.com for details on upcoming conferences.
- music seminars - look for local groups who are putting on one-day events. Read my prior blogs and JaWar's blogs at atlantashowcase.blogspot.com and mymusicconference.blogspot.com for details on upcoming conferences.
- talent showcases - again you can find artists, producers, A & R folks, etc at these events. In fact, I just bumped again into Bryan-Michael Cox, Kawan KP Prather, DJ Nabs, and some of the other panelists from Patchwerk's Music University that I attended in January at Rovella William's Almost Famous Artist Showcase. You just never know who you are going to meet at these events. JaWar again has a complete list of talent showcases at atlantashowcase.blogspot.com and mymusicconference.blogspot.com.
- open mics - you might get a hodge podge of folks at this event but it still may be worth your time. I'd choose the ones where people have to audition to perform over just simply an open mic but still it's better than nothing. Read JaWar's blogs at atlantashowcase.blogspot.com and mymusicconference.blogspot.com for details on upcoming open mics.
- open auditions - American Idol auditions usually bring out hundreds of thousands of folks! Sometimes I wonder where all these people are at when the music conferences come to town! Seems everyone wants to sing, and not many want to learn the business! Then folks wonder why they get taken! Okay, I'm off my soap box but network at these events; learn the business at music conferences or again read books on it.
- beat battles - these are cropping up all over the U.S. for producers. As a songwriter needing producers, I'd definitely check this event out. Producers and songwriters are always looking for each other.
- clubs - I personally don't typically go to clubs. But if you want to network with DJs, you've got to go to the clubs to find them to get your music played there.
- music industry parties - join some of the newsletters to find out where and when these events will take place or read JaWar's blogs at atlantashowcase.blogspot.com and mymusicconference.blogspot.com
- performance right organization's parties, especially the special event parties such as holiday parties.
- songwriter organization parties and events, ex. NARAS puts on different events such as meet the producer or songwriter events, or host special parties to recognize their members.
- record pool events - there have already been two of these this year.
- DJ conferences - another great place to meet DJs and get them your material.
- Film and TV conferences - since you want placement in film and TV, this is an excellent place to network. Don't forget indie film and TV.
- New Media/Digital Music Conferences - the music biz is changing - stay up on the game.
- Mobile Phone/Mobile Website conferences - folks we are moving into mobile - network with phone companies about getting your music put into mobile phones.
- Award shows - if you live in LA, there are always award show events being held there. Go to some of them. At the very least you can meet and make some new fans of your music. You might even meet some people in the industry.
- Networking events outside the music business - since it seems everybody is a rapper/producer/singer, you're bound to meet other music creators at other networking events. I met a producer and singer and a woman needing a songwriter at a Millionaire Mind Intensive seminar.
- Karaoke bars - if you are looking for demo singers, this may be a spot to check out. Plus, by doing karaoke, you know that they don't mind singing for cheap (:-O
- Studios - here's the place where you can meet engineers, mixers, producers, professional demo singers, artists, etc. Plus some studios will have their own events that they put on. Patchwerk is one of the studios that does events from time to time.
- Concerts - haven't we all seen the "flyer guy" at the doors of a concert passing out flyers? You can do the same thing with your CDs and make some fans of your music.
- Music retail stores - are you kidding?! You can meet plenty of musicians, producers, engineers, DJs, songwriters, etc. at these stores. Plus, just meeting the people behind the counters who know how to work the music equipment you're about to buy is good enough reason to go there and network!
- Bookstores - in the music section of the book store are learners and students of music just like you!
- Colleges & university - Sometimes colleges, universities, law schools and even high schools have music business departments and music business groups which put on music conferences and seminars. Sometimes you may want to just go when there is not a conference, just to meet the professors and network with the students.
- Trade shows - like NAMM, NARM, NAB are good trade shows where you can network with music merchandisers. Digidesign in fact will be at NAB (April 14-17, 2008) in Las Vegas.
- Radio Broadcaster Conferences - this will help you not only meet radio personalities, but you'll also get some good tidbits on what PMs are looking for.
- Gamers Conferences - since more and more music is being placed in games, you want to attend these events as well.
- Targeted Niche Conferences - go to conferences that will also help you learn what your particular niche is wanting and buying. For instance, Billboard is hosting a number of conferences this year which target teens and men.
- Record label parties - there are plenty of record labels that host events introducing either their label or their new artists. I recently attended one of those in December and met a lot of great industry folks who came out in support of the new production team, or artist!
- Producer parties - Sometimes producers will open up a new club, a new restaurant, or showcase their new signed artists. Check out those events.
- Magazine parties - I was invited out to a party being sponsored by a magazine and many, many industry people were scheduled to come.
- Music festivals - if your city or a surrounding city hosts things like music festivals, go! Make some new fans by passing out your CD. Find out who is putting it on and see if you can open up.
- Basketball/baseball/football games - arenas are always looking for groups to sing the National Anthem. Perform that song, then pass out your CD. Your name and group gets out and so does your music.
- Clothing stores - I heard this tip from JaWar - stores play background music all the time. Network with clothing stores and see if they will play your music or mix tape.
Want to know where to find some music conferences, showcases, open mics, and when they will be held? Check out my prior blog posts on upcoming conferences and JaWar's blogs at atlantashowcase.blogspot.com and mymusicconnection.blogspot.com
Thedy Bmyspace.com/hitsamillionllc - network with me!
hitsamillion.ning.com - network with others!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Bryan-Michael Cox at PatchWerk Music University IV
I was so excited when I heard that Bryan-Michael Cox (or B. Cox) was going to be a panelist at Patchwerk's Music University IV! I'm such a fan of B. Cox's music. Since I consider myself a student of music and the music industry, I thought maybe going to Patchwerk's Music University IV just to hear B. Cox would be well worth the money for attending. Was I right?
I'll tell you in a minute. . .
B. Cox was on the Artist & Producers panel at Patchwerk's Music University IV along with Little Drumma Boy (Drum Squad) and L.T. Moe (Trey Songz, Bobby V). All three producers talked about:
1) insider tips on getting a good music publishing deal,
2) believing in your music regardless of what level you are on,
3) the power of networking - see my prior blog to see how I was convinced about networking
4) the advantages of having a manager working for you
5) having a game plan when you enter the music business
6) knowing and being honest about where you are in terms of your development
7) the power of music internships and understudying;
8) about the advantages of joining SESAC, BMI or ASCAP; and
9) how building your brand and making hits increases your earning potential.
Plus, again we got all of these producers' contact information!
So was going to see B. Cox worth my time and money? Let me answer it this way: If you are a songwriter or a producer trying to break into the music industry as such, whenever some of the superproducers such as B. Cox, J. Que from the Clutch, and others are participating as a panelist, GO! It will be well worth the money. Look for them at a music conference or seminar near you. If you wanna know about upcoming music conferences nationwide, check out JaWar's blog at atlantashowcase.blogspot.com or at http://mymusicconnection.blogspot.com/
Thedy B, Attorney/Songwriter
Hits A Million, LLC
Thursday, February 21, 2008
PatchWerks' Music University IV gets a B+
In my February 15, 2008 blog, I said that networking, i.e. building relationships, is key to success in the music business. So I decided to share with you my experience at a recent event I attended. Patchwerk's Music University IV was held on February 17, 2008 at Patchwerk's Studio located in Atlanta, GA. Initially, I was reluctant to sign up because I'm always budgeting my time and money and this event was an all-day affair and the cost was $75. That was a lot to me at first considering I've been to other music conferences such as the Atlantis Music Conference, where, with a discount, I paid only $50 for a 3 1/2 day conference. But still I considered going because at Patchwerk's Music University, they promised an intimate environment of networking and I thought that was cool and different. But when I got Patchwerk's email newsletter letting me know that Bryan-Michael Cox had agreed to be a panelist, I immediately signed up to attend. I'm a big fan of Bryan-Michael Cox's music. And he, along with the other panelists, and the event itself did not disappoint me. It was truly worth the money and time and after attending, I probably would have paid more because of the information.
For this blog, I'll just give you the skeletal details of the event, and my rating of the event overall and then discuss each panel separately since there was too much great information given for one blog. So here is goes:
The event started with continental breakfast/networking. The attendees were then escorted into the studio where the seminar was being held. Each attendee was given a pen, a large notepad, and a syllabus in true "university/classroom" style. (Nice marketing). They had an abundance of staff on board to direct the attendees and the panelists. The room where we were was packed. But as promise, it was an intimate environment. There was essentially four panels that had two to four panelists: 1) artist management panel; 2) a producer's panel; 3) a DJ panel; and 4) a "boss" panel, which essentially was a music exec panel. I will discuss some of these panels in a different blog post. But here's what I liked and didn't like about this seminar.
My overall assessment: B+
1. Good: We were given very short breaks in between the panels. This helped keep everything on schedule. It helped the time go fast. Not so good: We were not given the opportunity to really talk to the panelists afterwards, which was disappointing since I thought that would be included in the definition of an "intimate" environment. That's the main reason why I'm rating them with a B+ instead of an A.
2. Great: One great thing Patchwerk did was pass around designated bags so that each attendee could put their promo materials in them and those bags were then given to the panelists.
3. Excellent: Each attendee was given the direct contact information for every panelist!!!!!
4. Good: they chose four really good topics. Not so good: I think they should have had one more panel on marketing and promotions.
5. Good: they had set questions that they asked the panelists. Great: they permitted attendees to ask questions and when they saw that each panel generated a lot of questions, they allowed more time for attendees to ask questions.
6. Great: the quality of the panelists was great! They had Jason Geter (CEO of Grand Hustle Entertainment), Kawan "KP" Prather (CEO of Ghet-O-Vision Entertainment, former VP of A & R at Sony BMG urband music), Orlando McGhee, DJ Don Cannon, DJ Nabs, Producer Lt-Moe, Bryan-Michael Cox, Producer Little Drummer Boy, Coach K, Snake, and Melinda Dancil. Wished: there was one more female in the group so that that female could also discuss the music business from a female perspective but that's just me (:-).
7. Great: they provided both breakfast and lunch. Lunch was served after the panels which was good because it kept us in the flow. Not so good: we couldn't eat or drink anywhere except one designated "cafeteria" area so if you got thirsty in the middle of a panel, you'd have to leave the room and miss out. But I'm sure the no eating or drinking rule is to protect their studio from damage which is understandable.
8. Great: The size of the seminar in terms of the number of attendees was great. Again, it was packed but still everyone there was able to give each other their business cards and really see everyone there and talk.
9. Great: the information given was timely and useable.
10. Great: there were people there to assist you if you had questions. Also the studio manager introduced himself personally to the entire group. He also provided information about the studio itself.
11. Great: Patchwerk Studio is beautifully decorated and has two studios. I love to see all the gold and platinum albums on the walls. Everything was of course neat and clean and conducive to having a great recording experience. The manager even allowed us to go into private areas to assist with bathroom crowd control. The people, from the receptionist to the interns to the manager, were all accessible, personable, friendly and helpful. It made for a good experience. Not so good: they were only permitting people to enter into the studio at first in groups. I don't know what the reason was for that (perhaps crowd control but I'm glad that that rule was abandoned when I got there).
12. Good: again the price was cool, considering the quality of the panelists, the food, the networking opportunity, the number of panels, the length of the event, and most importantly, the actual information given. I'm so big on attending a music conference where you feel like you learned more than you knew going. I'm sure that the price kept the size of the attendees "intimate" so perhaps they accomplished their goal by having a higher price.
13. Good: the length of the panels, the length of the event, and the length of the breaks were all good. It started at 9:30 a.m. and ended roughly at 3:00 or 3:30.
14. Good: location was good and the studio is centrally located and easy to get to.
15. Good: they also gave out surveys so that they could get feedback. I also liked the added touch of giving every attendee a syllabus, a note pad and pen in true "classroom, i.e. university style."
Again, so as you can see, I had a great time. I'm glad I went and invested my time and money by going. And yes, I'd go again if they had the same event assuming the quality stayed the same. So congrats Patchwerk on a great job!
If you don't know about Patchwerk (and that is how you spell it), you can google it for more info. I'm also on Patchwerk's network so you can search for me on that site as well if you are looking for a songwriter. Thanks for reading!
Thedy B, Attorney/Songwriter
Hits A Million, LLC
myspace.com/hitsamillionllc
hitsamillion.ning.com
For this blog, I'll just give you the skeletal details of the event, and my rating of the event overall and then discuss each panel separately since there was too much great information given for one blog. So here is goes:
The event started with continental breakfast/networking. The attendees were then escorted into the studio where the seminar was being held. Each attendee was given a pen, a large notepad, and a syllabus in true "university/classroom" style. (Nice marketing). They had an abundance of staff on board to direct the attendees and the panelists. The room where we were was packed. But as promise, it was an intimate environment. There was essentially four panels that had two to four panelists: 1) artist management panel; 2) a producer's panel; 3) a DJ panel; and 4) a "boss" panel, which essentially was a music exec panel. I will discuss some of these panels in a different blog post. But here's what I liked and didn't like about this seminar.
My overall assessment: B+
1. Good: We were given very short breaks in between the panels. This helped keep everything on schedule. It helped the time go fast. Not so good: We were not given the opportunity to really talk to the panelists afterwards, which was disappointing since I thought that would be included in the definition of an "intimate" environment. That's the main reason why I'm rating them with a B+ instead of an A.
2. Great: One great thing Patchwerk did was pass around designated bags so that each attendee could put their promo materials in them and those bags were then given to the panelists.
3. Excellent: Each attendee was given the direct contact information for every panelist!!!!!
4. Good: they chose four really good topics. Not so good: I think they should have had one more panel on marketing and promotions.
5. Good: they had set questions that they asked the panelists. Great: they permitted attendees to ask questions and when they saw that each panel generated a lot of questions, they allowed more time for attendees to ask questions.
6. Great: the quality of the panelists was great! They had Jason Geter (CEO of Grand Hustle Entertainment), Kawan "KP" Prather (CEO of Ghet-O-Vision Entertainment, former VP of A & R at Sony BMG urband music), Orlando McGhee, DJ Don Cannon, DJ Nabs, Producer Lt-Moe, Bryan-Michael Cox, Producer Little Drummer Boy, Coach K, Snake, and Melinda Dancil. Wished: there was one more female in the group so that that female could also discuss the music business from a female perspective but that's just me (:-).
7. Great: they provided both breakfast and lunch. Lunch was served after the panels which was good because it kept us in the flow. Not so good: we couldn't eat or drink anywhere except one designated "cafeteria" area so if you got thirsty in the middle of a panel, you'd have to leave the room and miss out. But I'm sure the no eating or drinking rule is to protect their studio from damage which is understandable.
8. Great: The size of the seminar in terms of the number of attendees was great. Again, it was packed but still everyone there was able to give each other their business cards and really see everyone there and talk.
9. Great: the information given was timely and useable.
10. Great: there were people there to assist you if you had questions. Also the studio manager introduced himself personally to the entire group. He also provided information about the studio itself.
11. Great: Patchwerk Studio is beautifully decorated and has two studios. I love to see all the gold and platinum albums on the walls. Everything was of course neat and clean and conducive to having a great recording experience. The manager even allowed us to go into private areas to assist with bathroom crowd control. The people, from the receptionist to the interns to the manager, were all accessible, personable, friendly and helpful. It made for a good experience. Not so good: they were only permitting people to enter into the studio at first in groups. I don't know what the reason was for that (perhaps crowd control but I'm glad that that rule was abandoned when I got there).
12. Good: again the price was cool, considering the quality of the panelists, the food, the networking opportunity, the number of panels, the length of the event, and most importantly, the actual information given. I'm so big on attending a music conference where you feel like you learned more than you knew going. I'm sure that the price kept the size of the attendees "intimate" so perhaps they accomplished their goal by having a higher price.
13. Good: the length of the panels, the length of the event, and the length of the breaks were all good. It started at 9:30 a.m. and ended roughly at 3:00 or 3:30.
14. Good: location was good and the studio is centrally located and easy to get to.
15. Good: they also gave out surveys so that they could get feedback. I also liked the added touch of giving every attendee a syllabus, a note pad and pen in true "classroom, i.e. university style."
Again, so as you can see, I had a great time. I'm glad I went and invested my time and money by going. And yes, I'd go again if they had the same event assuming the quality stayed the same. So congrats Patchwerk on a great job!
If you don't know about Patchwerk (and that is how you spell it), you can google it for more info. I'm also on Patchwerk's network so you can search for me on that site as well if you are looking for a songwriter. Thanks for reading!
Thedy B, Attorney/Songwriter
Hits A Million, LLC
myspace.com/hitsamillionllc
hitsamillion.ning.com
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