Are you inviting your customers into a story?

 Build it and they will come

This is the first myth that I believe is also a trap. We as artists and creatives can easily get sucked into the vortex of creating that we forget about everything else. Like food, water and the reason why we are creating this thing in the first place.

Most times if we are looking closely at the heart and motive of what we are creating it is often birthed out of a desire to share. To help someone else who feels, needs or wants something that we can give them. That is also why I believe it is so painful for a creative if no one buys or shows up to appreciate what we have labored on for so many hours. It feels like a rejection.

Often nobody knew that you were working so hard on your project to begin with and that they were invited to witness the journey and enjoy the fruits of your labor with you.

Build it and they will come - No they won’t.

Invite them. Remind them. Show them. Tell them then remind them again and then they might come. And when you are finished, learn from it and do it again.

Essentially this is what is at the heart of marketing. If people don’t know what you are doing, if what you are creating is not in the public’s eye how can they ever support you?

How can they share your story?

We all love sharing stories, so create your art and give people a reason to come.

Marketing Stealth Bombs

When it surprises and delights fans. That’s a good thing. When it surprises and delights even the creator. That’s a wonderful thing! 

Drake did it with the release of his album, Scorpion, unannounced. Pop up shops, art galleries and pop up concerts are now all the rage.  

In a world full of announcements, promotions and gimmicks. Isn’t it a refreshing change to just see a creative person say; “Hey, I made this. I put a lot of work into it and I hope you will like it. If not, then maybe you would like something else I am working on”

Then get busy creating the next thing. 

Oh, and this morning I woke up as a regular guy and tonight I go to sleep as a Published Author. Currently you can check out my latest book project, click here. Now available on Amazon Kindle.

Music And... (How Different Paths Lead to Greatness)

Recently I’ve been working on numerous projects, here is one that I am excited to share with you.

  

I am SUPER excited to be a part of this SXSW Panel.

There's still time to vote for this panel. If it gets enough votes, it has a stronger chance of being selected at the SXSW Music Festival 2019 in Texas USA. So if you are or know any artists or talented musicians that are doing music part time and would love to learn how to make a living from their art, this panel is for you. Share it!

Voting closes on the 30th August 2018.

How to Vote: 

1. Click the link and sign in, then create an account.

2. Verify your email

3. Use the same link to log in, hit the Vote Up button. When it turns green, YOUR JOB IS DONE and you can logout.

Click the below link to vote.

http://panelpicker.sxsw.com/vote/82152 

Fork in the Road

The proverbial Fork in the Road 

It happens often, if we are wise enough to recognize it. Choosing a path leading down one road, means that you must forego the opportunities that are on another.

From the start of the year already I’ve had to make some tough choices for what I’ve felt would be for the greater good on my quest to doing this musi business thing full time. 

One of those tough choices, was choosing not to apply to go to South by Southwest, in order to focus on plans to build my business. That was a tough one for me as I have absolutely loved the experience of SXSW and all the energy, ideas and people that come with it.

But sacrifices must be made for long term gains. And nothing worthwhile comes without a cost. So while I juggle a full time project management job and keep my Side-Hustle running it’s inevitable that choices will have to be made that I may not always like but will be rewarding done the line.

Its like going to the gym, saving or eating healthy, Continually choosing the right path even if it doesn’t feel good in the moment can lead to big payoffs.

Question:

What are some tough choices you have had to make recently? 

Leave a comment below or hit me up on Twitter. I’d love to hear from you 

Quick Announcement & A Favour

I’ll be sharing the link to our latest music video and single very soon. But first I need to ask you a favour…

We’re really close to wrapping up our long-awaited Single BETTER. We will be releasing worldwide but before we do, I would like to ask you a few questions to help improve our musical sound going forward. 

QUESTIONS:
1. What do you think songs should be talking about? 
2. How does music make a difference in your life?
3. And what would you like to hear more of in today’s music?

If you can answer these brief survey questions in the comments or by just tagging me on Social media it would be greatly appreciated. 

I look forward to reading your comments.  

Download vs Upload

In our fast food consumption culture it’s easy to get sucked in. Consumption is easy. We consume more content, download more videos, podcasts, PDFs, pictures. More, more, more. Click, click, click.

But what if we decided to swim upstream. 

Taking the path of more resistance. Walking the road of the artist.  

Instead of consuming, we are creating. Uploading our art, sharing our songs. Spreading our ideas. Giving instead of taking.  

Wouldn’t that be an interesting twist?  

My new single just dropped. You can check it out here.

Primavera 2016

Yesterday, the IMEXSA delegation and I arrived in Spain Barcelona from South Africa. All in all I think it was something like an 18 hour flight including connections. Side note - Stopping in Dubai is always fascinating, I should visit it sometime. 

Spain is a really beautiful looking place. From their buildings and architecture to the people and culture. It really does have a different energy about it. The fellas are nonchalant and the ladies all walk with confidence.  

Today was the Kick-Off of the Primavera Pro day conference, and it has been fun to take in new sights and sounds. I really do plan to capture it in the new music I am working on. So over the next while I'll be posting whatever I hear, see or smell... On the blog. 

So forgive me for being random but I have been feeling in the mood to experiment more with this wonderful blog space. Maybe we will learn something or maybe we won't but I would love to take you along for the ride:) 

Feel free to comment, share or like when you read something of interest here. I would love to hear from you.  

For Free Money, Click Here

7 Really Cool opportunities all creatives should know about.

Now that I hopefully have your attention. I think that it is safe to say that nothing ever really comes for free and there is always some investment of time, passion and petty cash required to fully take advantage of any situation. 

With that disclaimer out the way allow me to introduce you to some of the COOLEST opportunities I have come across in my years as a Creative Director at Dynisty Entertainment. 

And over the next while I will be digging deeper into a few of these golden opportunities to help you maximize your advantage. So stay tuned and come back to this post whenever you think that money is the stumbling block, because it isn't.  

Limited thinking is your greatest enemy as a creative. 

If you know where to look there are plenty of people and places ready to support your art, if you are ready to present it in a professional manner. You just need to be bold enough to ask the right questions and follow through on what needs to be done.  

1. Arts & Culture Trust (Nedbank)

This is a great initiative that I have personally benefited from and have seen the value of their funding. They have a great funding model and in the early stages of developing this blog I received a huge boost from their funding. It really did allowed me the chance to structure my organization better. It is well managed and the individuals really do care about the arts. If you meet the criteria it is definitely worth checking out and they have a great informative newsletter worth signing up to.

To access their website Click Here.

2. TriggerFish Story Lab 

This is a crazy cool opportunity for people with an animated story to tell. The growth opportunity is tremendous and the fact that The Walt Disney Company is involved is enough for me. They offer you the chance to work with their animated studio in developing your screenplay if your idea is selected and passes the different phases. 

To access their website Click Here.

3. NAC (National Arts Council of South Africa)

Every year the National Arts Council of South Africa issues out a call for proposals for projects. Last year alone they funded 279 applicants to the tune of 17 Million Rand. And the thing is most countries have an equivalent of an Arts and Culture Department that needs to facilitate and develop the creative arts Nationally and in your local area. It is always worth while finding out more about their criteria and processes. There is usually a lot of paperwork and red tape to get through but don't let that put you off completely. 

To access their website Click Here.

4. The Red Bull Music Academy

Without a doubt, this is the coolest Music Academy I have heard of. They offer you the chance to travel to some of the music hot spots in the world. The application process is lengthy and the questions are quirky, challenging and honestly... fun to answer. It is a highly sort after Academy for those in the know so start applying early. Alumni get access to the Red Bull Music Studios around the world so that alone is a great incentive. SA stars who are Red Bull alumni include DJ Black Coffee, so you would be in good company. 

To access their website Click Here. 

5. National Film and video Foundation (NFVF)

The National Film and Video Foundation supports potential Directors, Producers and Screenplay writers from developing to established levels. I have only heard good things about the support they have give developing talent. And even though not everyone can receive a grant they do give you plenty of opportunities to apply and can also help point you in the right direction. 

To access their website Click Here.

6. SAMRO Foundation Concerts SA

If you are a songwriter you should already be connected to a Rights organization. If you are not I encourage you to do so pronto. Often when you dig a little deeper, sign up for their newsletters and just generally show an interest. You will find that they sponsor or back organizations that benefit you as a musician and songwriter. The SAMRO Foundation is one such place and Concerts SA is geared towards getting artists on the road and making money. 

To access their website Click Here.

7. Independent Music Exporters South Africa (IMEXSA)

Last but definitely not least, is my personal favourite organization that helps Independent Musicians, IMEXSA.

The Independent Music Exporters South Africa is an organization that works with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI in South Africa). They offer independent record labels and artists the chance to develop themselves  and improve on their business network by helping them attend some of largest festivals and conferences in the world. CMJ in New York, Primavera Sound in Spain, South by South West (SXSW) in Austin Texas, WOMAX in Budapest Hungary and MIDEM in Paris France. All really great festivals that can give your business a boost.

To access their website Click Here.

Again, most countries have similar organizations that are specifically designed to foster and develop the arts. Now that you have an idea of what to look for, keep your eyes and mind open to how you can get yourself in a position to access these opportunities. Grants are great because if you use the money correctly and wisely, then you don't have to pay it back. You only need to pay it forward. 

Do you know any other cool organizations that are worth mentioning and sharing with others?

Leave a comment below.