No Record Deal, No Problem

So, How do you get signed to a record deal? 

In a nutshell...

Doing it on your own is the best way to get signed.

What do you have that a record label would want?

"I have a good voice."

"I can write a good song."

"My mama said I can sing."

"Yo man, I can rap."

"I make dope beats."

If you said any of the things I just mentioned above then you can expect the following.

No. I'm sorry, but that's not exactly what we are looking for. And sadly talent is not enough.

So what are record companies looking for?

Simple. Three things: PPD

1. PROOF

This can come in many forms but the two important ones are Social Proof and Profit Proof.

If you say something online, on your website or social media (and you should have both) do you have an engaged audience that cares and will respond?

If you put on a show or release a single can you turn a profit? 

In today's current market, even a little profit is better than none. Are you turning out tunes and shows consistently and keeping records?

2. PROFESSIONALISM 

Honestly, I believe that this is the most important of the three because it can determine your success in the other two areas. 

It doesn't take talent to arrive at rehearsals on time. 

It doesn't take talent to do what you say you will do.

It doesn't require that special "X" factor to show up and put in the hours of work that is required to hone your skills.

But it does require professionalism to do those things and respect other people's time and space.

Calling someone you have never met at odd hours or sending them a text message on a Sunday is not very professional is it?

Do whatever you can to stick out in a professional manner. Showing courtesy and respect for the other person.

3. DATABASE

Do you have access to a database of fans (names, email addresses, cell numbers etc.) that are ready and willing to pay for your music? 

If you do. How big is this database and how quickly can you grow it?

If you can start showing numbers that would impress your local bank manager, then I think it's safe to say you're on the right track. 

But wait a minute, if I could build a team that could do all of that what on earth would I need a record deal for?

Exactly!

However, sometimes you need to scale quickly in your business and standing on the shoulders of a giant makes sense if you need to reach those high and lofty goals. 

Other times small is beautiful.

And Joint Ventures mean more if both parties will benefit.

If you are not bringing any of these three things to the table, then you don't have a leg to stand on. And if you can't manage your on business correctly, how will you know if a record company is doing it right?

So either way, being entrepreneurial is key. 

So I'll say it again.

Doing it on your own (first) is the best way to get signed.

The problem with the future

HAPPY NE!!... Ah, wait... It's already nearly March?!

I thought time was only supposed to fly when you are having fun?

The new year has felt a bit like the old year continued. Kind of like 2015 - 2.0. 

The problem with the future is that you just can't see what's coming. And if you like sticking to a plan, that could be a bit of a challenge. 

Recently I completed work on a 3 year business proposal for a Dynisty project. When planning like that and I am always amazed at how much stuff you can actually anticipate if you put your mind to it . I am  also equally amazed at how little we know about the future. 

How could we? It is the future after-all and we are not there yet. But we can dream and that helps make it more tangible even if it is only in our minds. 

Then, the other problem kicks in. We get stuck dreaming about this world that doesn't exist yet and we neglect to do the hard work now. In the present. 

LEARN FROM THE PAST. 

FOCUS ON THE PRESENT. 

BUILD FOR THE FUTURE.

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. 

My Weapon is music

“My Weapon is Music.”

This year, more than any other I have felt the pain of the world lay heavy on my shoulders. 
Whether it be the killing in France, the massacre in Kenya or the Fees must fall struggle in my own country and home town. 

Not to mention my own personal struggles and those of close family and friends.
2015 has really had a heavy gloom about it. 
Indeed this world is so broken and in desperate need of a Saviour.  

Jesus Christ and the message of the Gospel offers a real hope and light to these dark times.

With so many thoughts swimming in my head and emotions that toss about like waves...
The message needs an outlet and my weapon of choice is music. 

Drake - Obey Your Thirst (Video)

"Do it from where you are at..." 

#RealTalk

What's next to fall?

Without a doubt this is a major issue that could have been avoided. As Maxwell says: "Everything rises and falls on leadership."

And so, as the dust slowly begins to settle, one can not help but wonder. What is next? 

How long can you poke a lion and expect it not to roar? 

And when the lion realizes it has a voice... What happens next? 

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 

Video Pick of the week - Pentatonix (OMI Cover)

This tune is constantly stuck in my head. Now I hope it will be stuck in yours. 

You're welcome;) 

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.