Artist Advice

"Everything on this simple list I endorse personally. I'm speaking form first hand experience. Over the past few years, I've made a lot of mistakes and wasted a lot of time and energy. Trust me, these resources are worth looking into. God Bless." - 8.bliss

RadioDirectX.com : Radio & Media Music Promotion * Radio DirectX first creates a one sheet for your release, then sends it out to 700 Hip Hop Radio Outlets (they service other generes too). They work with all types of radio: Satellite, Digital, College, National Network, Internet... All around the World.... 39 Different Countries total! Then if the outlet wants to spin it, they request a copy and YOU ship it to them... So no blank mailing... You only ship to folks who want to spin it!

Book: "The Indie Bible" * This book is STACKED. Over 10,000 press and radio contacts for Indie musicians in niche markets. Some decent articles too. Very Nice.

Books & PDFs @ "The Music Biz Academy" * Now, if you're looking to disregard the traditional Industry model, and you just want to make it on your own. Read some inspiring, innovative, ideas. Check these publications. Shit is sick!

Free Web Site: "Star Polish" * This site has more useful information and professional contacts than you'll know what to do with. It's a bit overwhelming, but it truly answers a lot of questions. From securing college tours and sponsorship, to dealing with A&R. The "Resources" alone are worth the trip. They list everything from Management Co.s, to Labels, to Video Stations.

Book: "All You Need to Know About the Music Business" * The Los Angeles Times has proclaimed it "the INDUSTRY bible". It's just like the title says, "All You Need to Know". From structuring commissions and hiring your manager, agent, and attorney, to touring and securing million dollar deals. It's well laid out and highly informative. If you desire to enter into a Major Label contract, or run an Independent Label. This is a must read. The Music Business is complex. Know the truth behind the dream.

FREE Underground Hip Hop "Connex List" * Out of NYC, it's a Hip Hop industry contact magazine. It's available in hard copy or FREE download. Updated every couple months; Mix-tape Dj's, Radio Dj's, Record Pools, Producers, Promoters,... They also have their own "B-Side Record Pool", if you send them 75 CDs or 75 Vinyl they'll mail them to their 75 Djs for FREE.

CD Distribution, Digital Distribution & Bar Codes @ "CD Baby" * CD Baby is simply AMAZING. Created by an Independent Musician, CD baby is the largest Independent Retailer period. For $35, you can sign up your CD, sell it in the CD Baby Store , and opt into Digital Distribution... This gets you're music on all the legitimate Download sites on the web: iTunes, Real/Rhapsody, Music Net/AOL, all the majors.... They also provide Bar codes for an additional $20... And the advice he provides is tops... He's also got recomendations on CD Replication (printing 1,000 CDs or more).... You must check this site out...

On-Demand Retail CD Manufacturing @ "Kunaki" * "Kunaki" will print your CD, retail-ready, on-demand, without a set-up fee. They'll drop ship them direct to customers, yourself, or record shops like CD baby. Quick turn around. Full Color CD printing, Full Color 2 panel booklet, Full Color tray card, jewel case, shrink wrap, and a free barcode if needed. It cost $1.60/ea CD, plus a $3 processing fee, and shipping. For poor asses like myself, w/out any financial backing, this is Truly Exceptional!

Blank CD-Rs & DVD-Rs @ "Meritline" * You should definitely print up your own promo CDs and DVDs. And Meritline is the spot to pick up the goods. They have discount prices, Free shipping on some products, and clearly rate the quality of the media they sell.

Sound Scan * Register your CD's Bar Code with Sound Scan. They track retail sales. When an album goes "Platinum", it's based of Sound Scan numbers. Many Independents have been selling multiple thousands for years, but never received decent Press attention. It's because they never registered with Sound Scan.

Copyright * Always copyright your art as soon as you have the finished product.

ASCAP - Publishing * If you're in the US. You should become a member of ASCAP. It's a well established publishing Co. ASCAP will collect your royalties for radio, web, film licensing, etc.

Zzounds - Musical Instruments and Equipment * If you're looking to get some new gear, this is the spot right here. Honest. Great customer service. Free Shipping on items over $200. 30 day return policy. They have a hudge inventory and the best price around. Mics, monitors, software, keys, pre-amps, whatever. I've bought most of my gear from them and have never been dissapointed. They also have B-stocks and user reviews.