Sniper Vs Shot-Gun Approach

When it comes to being able to execute a plan, I find you only really have two options. 

The Shot-Gun or the Sniper approach. 

Shot-Guns - Don't require much planning. Spray and pray. Sometimes you hit your target, sometimes you don't. At least you hit something right?

But are random acts of improvement the best way to increase your success? My guess would be - No. 

And then you get snipers. 

Snipers - Approach things a little differently.

Like a chess game you have to see at least 3 to 4 moves ahead and anticipate what will happen next. Watching your environment, studying your target, adjusting for wind speed. All while the war wages around you.  

Sometimes however, you can use both methods to your advantage. But almost always, it's better to execute your strategy as a sniper.

How do you execute as a sniper? Practice, plan and shot. Then do it again, and again and again. Until you get better at it.  

Keep shooting until you hit the target - Every-time! 

Streaming - The new sliced bread

Primavera 2016

Streaming is a hot topic right now.

Why did we get into music in the first place?

If you are anything like me, I remember clearly that the goal was to get our music into as many ears as possible.

China, Spain, Poland, Ukraine - that was the goal.

Places I would go and some I may never go to. But they would know my music and they would know my name, that was the aim.

Streaming makes that possible. Why would you want to limit that?

Why would you put a ceiling on that?

Naturally, you want to capture your home turf and there will be times to be more strategic. But sometimes using a shot gun can be part of your strategy.

Streaming opens up a world of possibilities and as Indie artists we would be foolish not to take them. Go where your customers are, discover new ones.

To use a street term Streaming is like your gateway drug. You get them hooked and then you push them towards your more profit generating products and services.

To use a more politically correct example and business term: Streaming can be viewed as a loss leader or discovery tool. Introducing potential customers to your brand and then leading them deeper into more value added services and products.

(You see how I flipped it there.)

At the end of the day it's about reaching fans and converting them into real (paying) customers.

Nothing happens until you have made a sale. And if you are standing still, then you are actually moving backwards.

Side Note:

Major labels are not the enemy here. I keep hearing people referring to Indie vs Major, David vs Goliath, as if this is a losing battle. Now I don't know about your Bible but in mine, David won that battle.

Independent labels need to use the natural tools at their disposal and never lose touch with the people that are helping you to build your business. They are what matter in the long run.

The day my elephant became a dragon

Note to reader: The cool title credit belongs to my beautiful wife and inspiring muse, Lauren Lee Aboagye.

Just when I thought Evernote couldn't get any cooler, I remembered a feature that I've been wanting to try out for some time.

Enter The Dragon.

For awhile I used to use a software from Nuance called Dragon naturally speaking.

The software translates spoken word into text. An amazing little tool that can really enhance your productivity. But I've always struggled to find the right time and place to use it because you often need to be in a room so quiet that you can hear a pin drop. Plus there's always that schlep of having to train your dragon first, so that it can pick up on your pronunciation and analyse your sentence structure. The learning curve is kind of steep and honestly a little time consuming.

But now with using dictation in Evernote  I found the perfect tool that integrates both worlds. Dragon and Evernote. The convenience of having my phone in my pocket, and taking notes verbally while on the go is wonderfully freeing.

In fact I'm writing this blog post using the dictation software and the accuracy is pretty amazing.

This really opens up a world of possibilities.

If you don't already use Evernote this is a good reason to start.

Help us pick artwork for our new single

I have always liked the idea of involving people in the creative process. Most of the time as an artist you get lost in your own ideas and imagination. Which is fun, but it does get a bit lonely. So to take the time to stop and show people what you have been working on is always an eye opener. You get to hear other peoples perspectives and see things from a different angle. This I believe, almost always leads to creates better art.

Currently, I am working on the Soldier.Lover.Poet EP and have re-recorded some tracks that have been great performed live with a band. The first single to be released will be "Makin' it Happen". 

And I would love to have your input on the cover artwork.

Take our survey by clicking here. 

How to reach the summit of your dreams

Honestly, I'll probably look back on these days and realize that they were part of the tipping point.

I have often found that conferences, workshops, seminars and the like are a great catalyst for motivating me to change gear or broaden my perspective. But if you are also like me and live far away from any major cities [East London, South Africa is not exactly a hot spot] And add to this a full time job and 2 small kids, that gives you very little margin to attend such functions. 

Enter the Internet and its wonderful opportunities

I recently signed up for Michael Hyatt's online webinar, The Influence & Impact Summit. And I must admit that I've been blown away with how cool it has been to enter into Hyatt's world of friends who are successful business people, best selling authors and leaders in their industry. 

I have always thought his tag line as "Your Virtual Mentor" was a good one and with this Summit he takes the position as a virtual mentor to new heights. Giving us great insights on creating a platform, introducing us to his influential friends and even going as far as opening up and interviewing his lovely wife of 37 years. 

The highlight for me

Was definitely the great line-up of speakers but top of my list has got to be his interview with John Maxwell. I've been a fan of his for many years and I always find it insightful when he is interviewed. Michael's questions were very thoughtful and thought provoking.  

What I also found really great was the positive attitude and willingness to share that each of the speakers presented. 

There is not much time but you might be able to catch a few of these interviews while they are still up. Or you can catch Michael's latest launch, How to skyrocket your impact. 

In Summary;

If you are really looking to make an impact in the world around you and achieve a higher level of success in your life, then finding great mentors is essential. 

And as the saying goes: "When the student is ready, the teacher appears." 

So the question is: Are you ready?

There is no such thing as writer's block

"Seriously. You have gotta be on another tip to understand the science that Seth Godin drops."

Those were the words of a friend of mine as we were discussing Seth's blog posts at 1 am in the morning, and he is absolutely right. 

Seth is a Jedi Master when it comes to dispensing his ideas and challenging the status quo.

In a recent post, that you can read here. He basically says it as it is and in about 12 short sentences he takes a sledge hammer to the world view of many creative artists (Myself included); saying that there is no such thing as writer's block. 

After reading it about 5 times my brain was like...

"Do you understand how deep this is? Do you get what he is saying here?"

In a nutshell: 

Your world view that makes you believe that such a thing as writers block exists is stopping you from the creating the very thing that you so desperately want to create. 

Where as you refuse to see that through discipline, commitment and daily practice you can push past the lizard brain that holds you and your art to ransom.

If you wish to become a prolific creator. You need to show up. Day in and day out.

Side note: SUSDAT - Stands for Shut Up, Sit Down and Type

Recommended reading:

Linchpin - By Seth Godin

Do the work - Steven Pressfield

The War of Art - Steven Pressfield

On Writing - Steven King 

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.

What I learnt from rocking the stage with Gangs of Ballet

And what you can learn from rocking with the best

In April of of this year I had the huge privilege of opening for Gangs of Ballet. An alternative rock band from the warm shores of Durban South Africa. They came to East London to perform at Hemingways and the band really knew how to WOW the audience. 

Here are a few lessons I learnt from them.

Disclaimer - There is so much you can learn from opening for established artists that it's hard for me to even condense what I learnt into a bite size readable blog. However, it's better to share than to keep the knowledge trapped in my head. 

Stage presence 

Years ago our church had a worship workshop clinic that was run by Brad. At the time he was a little known worship leader who was competent on his guitar and had an obvious passion for music. His passion was contagious and regardless of what he was singing if he meant it, he would make you feel it too. Those years of honing his skills have undoubtedly helped him build the confidence to lead the band and most importantly, how to lead an audience. 

Lesson: No matter where you are, always be willing to step up and put your art on display.

It maybe old to you but it's new to them

While having dinner before the show I was surprised to hear that they had been performing their songs for the past 4 years. 

Now that was an interesting point because they had only been in the public spotlight for the past 2 years. So that means they had been performing "underground" building momentum for years prior to their national success. One could say that that time spent honing their sound was what contributed greatly to their current success. 

These guys are so ready to perform that all they asked me before jumping on stage to perform was how many songs do you want us to perform? 

When I replied, "We are here for you guys, the stage is all yours." 

Brad smiled and said, "We'll give you all we've got."  

Lesson: Know your music like the back of your hand, but treat each performance with the respect it deserves because it maybe old to you but its new to them. 

Soldier On

Prior to the band's arrival, much had been made about the departure of their bassist, Hardus de Beer. However, when meeting them and talking briefly about it I thought it was pretty cool that they didn't speak bad of him or view this change as a barrier or a stumbling block. Rather they seemed to use it as a stepping stone and although you could see they were still slightly hurt (It had happened pretty recently), they were determined to soldier on.

Lesson: People will come and go. Stay focused. Stay strong and soldier on.

The Story behind the story

The songs that seemed to resonated the most with the audience were the ones that had a back story. When Brad was telling the story of how a song came about, or where they were when they played the song for the first time it let the audience feel like they were a part of the journey. This approach added character and depth to the set making key songs more memorable. Now when I play the songs in my car I feel like I connect with the band more.

Lesson: Story telling makes a difference to your approach with an audience. Use it wisely and use it often. 

Listen to the Gangs' New Single on Deezer - ALWAYS Or buy it on iTunes by clicking here.