Before The Music Dies

The Faron West documentary remains free at Hulu (read my review of it at AllAboutJazz):

The embed feature is not working so just follow the link here:

Coolest Indie Label Logos, part 1

As the discussion is about branding the artist so that they can sell T-Shirts, hats, stickers, etc with their name and logo on it, record labels should also heed the same advice. A cool logo could lead to T-Shirt sales, as well. Here are some of my favorite indie label (or at least they started as an indie) label logos, many of which I am a proud owner of the T-Shirt or at least a sticker. As soon as you see them, you think cool, you almost have an idea of what the music will sound like or the types or artists the founder(s) are going to sign. Or that logo has defined itself through it’s history – it stands for something, a time, an attitude, a movement, etc. Email or post your favorites – In no particular order (and more to come):

Larchmont Recordings (disclosure - this is a label I co-own)

More Free eBooks for Indie Artists

Three new eBooks / White Papers have come across my in box in the last few months that should be on the top of your reading list. They are insightful, accurate and practical guides on how to develop your career, marketing and fan relationships.

1. The Indie Maximum Exposure List here A practical and thorough guide to 100 things and indie artist or their manager should do, think, try in order to develop their career.

2. A2IM’s White Paper on Direct To Fan Marketing here A definitive guide and study on Direct to Fan strategies from The American Association of Independent Music

3. A2IM’s White Paper on Email Marketing here A definitive guide and study on Email marketing strategies from The American Association of Independent Music

Free eBooks For DIY Musicians & Those Looking to Develop A Career In The Music Business

Thought I would corral the litany of free literature available online to help you develop a career in the music business, market your music, build a company and other things you might want to know to get ahead. In no particular order:

1. Free: The Future of A Radical Price by Chris Anderson
*Free Audiobook

2. Music 2.0 by Gerd Leonhard
* Free PDF (though donations are appreciated)

3. Remix by Lawrence Lessig
* Free PDF

4. The New Rockstar Philosophy by Hoover and Voyno
* Link to send Email

5. 20 Things You Need To Know About Music Online by Andrew Dubber:
* Free PDF

6. New Music Strategies: 20 Things You Need To Know About Music Online by Andrew Dubber
* Free PDF

7. The Word Of Mouth Manual Vol. 2 by David Balter
* Free PDF

8. The Pirate’s Dilemma – How The Youth Culture Reinvented Capitalism by Matt Mason
* Free PDF

9. Seth Godin books
* Knock Knock: Seth Godin’s Incomplete Guide to Building a Web Site that Works
* IdeaVirus
* The Future of the Music Business
* Who’s There

10. How to Call Attention to Your Music by Derek Sivers
* Free PDF

11. 10 KEY Steps You MUST Take to SUCCEED in Today’s Music Business by Ian Clifford
* Free PDF

12. Guerilla Music Marketing Handbook by Bob Baker
* Free PDF

13. The Easy Way To Book Your Gigs
* Free PDF

14. Poor Richard’s Top 100 Tips for Doing Business Online
* Free PDF

15. Branding Yourself Online by Bob Baker
* Free PDF

16. Killer Internet Marketing Strategies
* Free PDF

17. How to Design a Winning and Profitable Music Business by Kavit Haria
* Free PDF

18. How to Recession-Proof Your Music Career by Bob Baker
* Free PDF

19. Indie Music Marketing Secrets by Bob Baker
* Free PDF

20. Promoting with Podcasting by David Jackson
* Free PDF

The Roots Agency Now On Twitter

Decided it was time for the agency to get it’s own Twitter account – you can keep up with the agency, agents & staff, artists and news at:

The Roots Agency Twitter Account

Finding An Agent

From David Tamulevich’s article in SingOut magazine where he walks you through the process of how artists and agents decide to work with each other and why.

FindingAnAgentSingOut

Happy 20th Merge

Twenty years ago I was a freshman at UNC Chapel Hill with no earthly idea that one of my favorite labels was about to open, Merge Records. In fact, it wasn’t until my senior year that I knew who Superchunk was and had just became aware of another label that had opened in town, Mammoth Records. My tastes swung more towards the poppier choices made by the Mammoth folks (Blake Babies, Dillon Fence, Joe Henry) at the time. But, caught on to Superchunk, Polvo, Erectus Monotone, et al a few years later, so I cannot tell you stories about being there on day one.

But Mammoth is no more and Merge is have a great 20th anniversary – they about to begin a 4 day festival in Chapel Hill, NC starting on July 22nd and running through the 26th with concerts, film screening and even a kick ball game.

Here is a link describing their 4 days of fun and merriment called XX Merge – love the fact that, except for Sunday nights show at Memorial Hall, the artists are listed with no note as to which night they are playing as “XX Merge is primarily a birthday party. We hope you will come celebrate with us & know that whatever night you attend, you will hear some great music. If you are most interested in seeing a particular band, we understand that XX Merge might not be the ideal event for you. We would love to see you there, but if you decide not to attend, we hope you get to see your favorite bands soon at their own show.”

Also, here is a link to a great interview on NPR’s “All Songs Considered” featuring an interview with Mac and Laura in a piece called “American Independence: 20 Years of Merge Records.”

Just for fun, go to Beatcrave and vote for “Who Is Your Favorite Merge Artist.” though they only give you their current top selling artists as choices, so I voted for Other.

I have been enjoying their monthly compilation called Score (which is now sold out) – in the vein of one of the best compilation series, Rarum on the ECM label, where the artist picked their favorite recordings on the label, Merge asked a series of ‘outsiders’ / fans to curate their favorite 20 tracks. I almost hate opening the wax cookie bag the 2 CDs come in every month, but I just have to and a nice surprise was a little thank you card in the first shipment signed by Mac and Laura (I have #139 / 1250). If you missed out on this subscription – you can still get a free download of Superchunk covering Sebadoh’s “I Believe In Fate.”

Also, they have issued a book (reminded me a lot of the Volume 9 releases from the 1990’s) of all their covers, which is a part of the Score series, but I hope they release it for others to enjoy the Blue Note – esque feeling you get looking through their excellent cover art history.

Happy 20th, wish I was there!

ArtistShare Records: Where Fans Make It Happen

Looking for the new record label business model to emulate or provide evidence of the new era of the music industry – well it has been around since 2003 and it’s about time we all added them to our repertoire of the top businesses making it happen in the new era of the music industry. Here is an interview with the Founder and CEO, Brian Camelio.

They have their niche, they have their success stories and they are connecting the fan to the artist as a priority, not as a ‘what do we do now’ after thought. They have a dozen Grammy nominations with 4 victories. There base is not in Generation M, but older, so proof that this model can work for all types of artists.

Their ‘About’ page sums it up quite well – some highlights:

“Since 2003, ArtistShare has been allowing fans to show appreciation for their favorite artists by funding their recording projects in exchange for access to the creative process, LTD Edition recordings, VIP access to recording sessions and even credit listing on the CD. Unlike other companies we build the model around the artist while providing the best fan support in the industry.”

“ArtistShare, however, is not looking to fight these emerging technologies; rather, we work with this new platform to the benefit the artist”

“By reaching out directly to the consumer and focusing on the innate value of music, ArtistShare has created a model that is immune to changes in the industry.”

Here are some of the incentives you the fan get by participating in the creation of the new Jim Hall / Bill Frisell record:

# Receive credit listing on the Jim Hall/Bill Frisell duo CD
# Design the cover! Submit your own cover art – Jim and Bill will choose their favorite for the official release (11/1/08 contest closed – thanks to all who submitted!)
# Receive an exclusive recording, performed live in the studio, by Bill and Jim specifically for you
# Attend the mastering session in NYC (date/location TBA)
# VIP access to Jim Hall and Bill Frisell performances
# Get an inside look at the creative process and watch the recording come to life

Facedown Records

by: Lauren Paschal

Facedown Records is an independent Christian label based out of Fallbrook, California. Facedown features bands of hardcore, metal, and punk styles. Although Facedown the LABEL was founded officially in 1997 by owner and President Jason Dunn, it started out as a distribution company. Dunn, who was touring as a drummer for the band No Innocent Victim in 1995, started doing his own distribution on the road with shows and mail-order. When he began to realize how many bands he was meeting and making contacts with, he decided to start his own label, keeping the name Facedown he had originally used for his distribution label. Jason had no business plan when he started this endeavor. He did not even have to take out a loan; he used his own money from his own bank account. He had a passion, his smarts, and a hobby for music and business.

Facedown was run completely by Dunn (and now along with wife Virginia Dunn). The first band signed to Facedown was a band named Overcome, who were previously signed with Solid State Records. Facedown had no distribution, only mail-order and direct to retail sales. In 2003 Facedown signed their first EXCLUSIVE distribution deal with Lumberjack Distribution out of Ohio. In 2006, they signed with Red Distribution and are currently still working with Red. Facedown does work internationally, mostly with licensing, and have sold in the UK, Japan, and Australia. This is usually done on a case-by-case basis.

The artists currently on Facedown’s roster include A Plea for Purging, xDeathStarx, Hands, Call to Preserve, For Today, Impending Doom, xLooking Fowardx, My Epic, No Innocent Victim, Sleeping Giant, Sleep for Sleepers, Take it Back!, Theives and Liars, War of Ages, and Wrench in the Works.

Facedown runs a tight-knit operation. Dunn works directly with the bands, building personal relationships with everyone on his roster. His wife, Virginia, is head of sales. Friend Dave Quiggle is head of the Art Department, and his wife, Shannon Quiggle, is head of Publicity. They have no A&R reps, but all work as their own A&R department.

Jason’s relationship with the bands on Facedown is like that of a family. Every band has Jason’s number, and he speaks directly with the bands. There is no liason between Jason and the bands on Facedown. He shoots straight with them to let them know what they can and cannot do.

What makes Facedown unique is their genre: there are not many CHRISTIAN heavy music labels. Facedown is going on their 12th year as a label! Another unique feature  of Facedown is their profit split. Facedown, like many other independent labels, treat their business affairs as a partnership. They use a 50/50 net split royalty deal, and neither Facedown or the band will make money until advances and other debts are paid.

When looking for bands to sign, Jason will use myspace, other manager contacts, word of mouth from other bands on tour, and recommendations. Some of the things Facedown looks for in a band is firstly, their spirituality. They look at the band’s quality of songwriting, their ability to tour, if they are hardworking, and bands that are looking for more opportunities, which Facedown feels that they can give.

Along with Facedown Records, they also have two subsidiary labels: Strike First Records and Dreamt Records. What Strike First does is sign bands that are in an introduction phase. These are usually bands that are starting out, have little touring experience and a smaller following. Strike First will take these bands and help give them the tools and contacts they need to develop them as artists. Other than maturity, Strike First and Facedown are very similar. They both sign talent that is of a heavier musical sound.

Dreamt Records, on the other hand, is a newer label. They do not sign strictly metal or hardcore music, but have a classic rock band signed as well as a Coldplay-esque band. As of now, there are only 3 announced bands signed with Dreamt, but 2 unannounced.

When marketing or promoting their artists, Facedown does several things. They have placed ads in hardcore music magazines, get plays with the Headbanger’s Ball, MTV2, Youtube, and Myspace. Facedown will try and make touring packages very appealing to headliner artists to entise these artists to take their bands out with them on a particular tour. An interesting thing Facedown also does is hold contests for those who pre-order new releases. For example, with A Plea For Purging’s sophmore release, “Depravity”, they gave away a custom snare drum from Darkhorse Percussion, a guitar, and a wii. With A Call to Preserve’s release, “From Isolation”, they gave away a SONY PSP. And for pre-ordering War of Ages new release, they gave away a 32″ LCD TV! This causes a hype for an album and an incentive to pre-order.

In the future, Facedown sees themself continuing to go along with the changes that are going on in the recording industry. Although physical product is dying, they are going in the direction of artist development. Three years ago, Wal-Mart was Facedown’s biggest retailer. Now, iTunes is their biggest outlet for record sales. They are also trying to get more into merchandising, ringtones, and live performance/touring.

Every year, Facedown holds a festival in California known as “Facedown Fest” with all the bands of Facedown playing for 2 days. They also have their own night and stage at the Christian Music Festival Cornerstone, held annually in Bushnell, Illinois.

In 2009 YTD, Impending Doom’s record “The Serpent Servant”was Facedown’s biggest selling record, securing a spot on Billboard’s Hot 200, a first for Facedown!

Facedown continues to operate as an idependent label. They are still working the same way they did when the started, just with more staff of four! With the direction the music industry is going and if Facedown continues to grow the way it has been, it is

RESOURCES:
Personal Interview with Jason Dunn, June 18, 2009
Facedown Records
All Record Labels

Tooth & Nail Records

by: Evan Shields

Tooth & Nail Records began as a way for Brandon Ebel to pursue his passion of music, and take underground faith-based music to the forefront of the popular music scene. The most recognized artists that are, or have been, on this label include Anberlin, MxPx, Relient K, Copeland, mewithoutYou, Underoath, and Thousand Foot Krutch. It began with a vision, and with Ebel’s enthusiastic yet simple approach, he broke the wall of separation for these artists to find the mainstream.

In the summer of 1993, Ebel approached his grandfather with his idea for a new and exciting record label. His grandfather was more than willing and wrote him a check to get the ball rolling. Right away, Brandon got going and in the fall of 1993 he introduced Tooth & Nail Records with the release of “Pet the Fish” by Wish for Eden. Along with this release, Ebel relocated the label to Seattle, WA because of his unique vision. He didn’t want to get lost in the wash of all the music surrounding him in California, so he gave himself a new location and space in which to develop his artists. As Ebel said, “We do think outside the box a little bit. We’re not all going to the same coffee shops, talking about the same stuff and coming up with the same ideas. Why should all the labels be in one city? It makes no sense to me. That is our edge – to be from somewhere else.” And that edge was just what they needed.

Ebel didn’t try to be unique in only his choice of location, but many other ways as well that really defined Tooth & Nail and made the label so successful. One of those is loyalty. Ebel personally searches out his artists and once he finds something worth pursuing, he gives them his time and effort in developing and supporting them. One of his artists, Joy Electric, had this to say, “I’ve stayed with Tooth & Nail through thick and thin; and they, in turn, have supported the things I do,” he explains. “The business aspect can be very difficult at times with any label, but I’ve been able to treat it as more of a family atmosphere.” Another factor to this label’s success is the risks that Ebel takes in order to give fans of the music the highest quality product possible. KJ-52, one of the labels best hip-hop artists explains, “Tooth & Nail goes out of its way to make it happen and doesn’t play it safe like most other labels,” he says. “The company is extremely smart with its money but finds a way to make high-quality product.”

With all the growth to his record label, Ebel has formed two more labels under the Tooth & Nail family. Solid State Records, and BEC Recordings. These labels are more genre-specific in the roster of artists they have signed. Solid State is the more hard core group, while BEC is tailored more to the Christian fans. A third was started around 2000 called Uprok Records, and that handles the hip-hop side of the label. Combined, the Tooth & Nail family of labels has released well over 400 albums.

It wasn’t any accident that Tooth & Nail became such a popular label, but it was Brandon Ebel and his unique vision that made it happen. Today, Ebel still manages and leads the label, and he still continues to break new ground in finding new and exceptional ways to reach the fans. The label is engaged in discovering innovative ways to take the music and connect it with a lifestyle driven culture, all while keeping the music pure and the motivation healthy. That is the foundation of the label, and that is why Tooth & Nail has had so much success in the world of independent labels.

sources.
- www.toothandnail.com/about
- www.phatt.net/wesley/fan/about.html
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tooth_%26_Nail_Records
- www.playlist.com