The Secret Weapon behind Drakes uncanny success

When the dust settles and the smoke clears. I have no doubt in my mind that Noah '40' Shebib will emerge as one of the most influential producers of our generation. 
(10 years from now, you can quote me on that.)

Every interview I have read or seen always leaves me more impressed!
His approach to production, his choice of operating outside the music hubs, his focus on the artist, all these and more are definitive moments that set him apart from the rest of the pack. 

Checkout this cool interview he did with Native Instruments Maschine. 

Video Pick of the week: Stromae - Papaoutai

My video pick for this week is a relatively old one (2013), but a classic in my opinion.

Anybody who knows me, knows I've always had a thing for the French language. I have recently extended that quirk into French Music were I came across Stromae. 

Man, I've been listening to his album on repeat. I think the music is absolutely brilliant.  

Music Video: A New State of Mind [Throw back Monday]

So a couple of people have been asking me about this video I did a while back. So I decided to put it out there again. For those who have been asking and waiting for new material from me-- I'm sorry for the delay but it will be worth the wait;) I promise.

Thanks for your support! OneLove - E-man

What are record labels looking for?

So, What are record labels looking for?

I've been asked this question a few times and sadly, this is a very good example of a very bad question.

It is like asking me, what is a dinosaur looking for? Well, food, water... Oh, and not to be extinct.

I get annoyed at this question because it shows a complete lack of understanding of the current music environment. A lack of self awareness of what you as an individual can bring to a team or company in terms of skills, value and freshness. Often the person asking this is not thinking what can I give to add value to you but what can I take.

It shows a genie mentality towards your craft and music - I rub my magic lamp and someone else makes my wish for money, power and fame come true. 

But just because it's a bad question, doesn't mean we can't learn from it. And now that I've got that out of my system, let's jump into some lessons from this question shall we: 

Business Smarts

Fact, every business needs to make money or they will become extinct. This is a given. So lets get the money talk out of the way so we can dive into the deeper things. 

If you have no track record of selling even 100 units of anything (CDs, tickets, merchandise etc.) What on earth makes you think you can sell a million units? 

Have you ever even tried selling a 100 of anything to your potential market? It's not as easy as it sounds but it is achievable. And if it is achievable why haven't you done it yet? 

These are fundamental questions any business will ask and if you don't have answers I would suggest you begin looking for the answers fast. You need to show proof that your brand sells or has the potential to sell to a ready and willing audience. You need more than just your mom's approval to say that your talent is real at this stage of the game. 

Does your brand align with the business? 

This requires you to do your homework on the company. A rookie mistake that I see often, is when artists don't know what kind of music the company they have submitted to makes. 

What does this company stand for?

Do I see myself fitting into what they believe and how they operate? 

How do they operate?

How can I see them in action? 

What is their latest release?

These are all questions you need to answer for yourself before you even make official contact and ask them for anything. 

Professionalism

I've written on this before in a previous blog post but I believe it is so sorely underrated that it needs to be mentioned again. And again, and again... Until it sinks in. 

What does professionalism look like? Well, let me break it down for you: 

• Are you as a person able to follow simple instructions? (Think carefully about this one. Because every company has their preferred way of doing things and if you can't follow their instructions you are going to tick someone off)
• Can you email a person when it is requested.
• Call back when requested
• Respect office hours and not call on weekends and after hours without prior consent
• Can you humbly except rejection and thank the person even when it hurts
• Can you backup your claims of being wonderful and amazing through the testimonies of fans and clients
• Have you taken the time to present your product, service or yourself in a manner that is fitting of another persons respect 
• Is all the necessary information about you and your product neatly presented, written down and easily accessible 

In a nutshell, would you approach a CEO of a company you wish to work for the same way as you would approach your home-boy down the street? - Hint: The answer to this should be no.

The irony of professionalism is that none of it requires talent and can be taught, learnt and improved upon. So you have no excuse. 

Originality 

Yes, as the Bible says there is nothing new under the sun. So no matter how different you think you are, your music still needs to fit into some kind of a category and that can be a good thing.  It helps you know who your audience is and what they like and don't like is often clear to those within the tribe. As the saying goes, The Beatles didn't invent teenagers but they did show up to lead them. 

Where you can be unique however, is through your point of view. Sharing your story, speaking your truth. Which speaks to a particular world view. When I want to listen to Drake, I listen to Drake. I don't listen to his cheap imitation knockoffs. 

Education 

If you are not constantly learning more about your chosen industry you will get left behind and in todays current times with the Internet, all the knowledge you seek is usually a click away. It is easier than ever to learn more about how an industry works and who the key players in the game are. If you are not taking advantage of this you are shooting yourself in the foot.

For example you can read books like 'All you need to know about the music business' by Donald Passman. Plus many others that can broaden your horizon and perspective of the industry you wish to join.

If you have limited access to the Internet then the library makes an excellent substitute. So with the will to work hard and a library card you have no excuse.

Go and create!

Make a difference.  

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.

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.