untitled


Home | Articles | BookstorePromote Your Music | Music is Your Business | Subscribe
Twitter | Start a Record Label | Radio Promotion | CD Art Design | Music Career Help

Click to email ChrisAdapt... or Don't.
by
Christopher Knab - Fourfront Media & Music - August 2011


Back to Music Business 101

The way the music is going is the way the world is going.

Things that use to work, don’t work that way anymore.
So, what is one to do in that situation?

Adapt.

If you can’t, you have two options:

1) Quit while you’re ahead
2) Keep on doing what doesn’t work

Sound too ominous?

Not really. Let me explain.

Change is what life is all about. Think about it.
We may want things to remain the same in a relationship but they don’t. A job we’ve had for years requires us to get re-trained or risk being laid off or fired.

Somehow life gets in the way of our plans, and we have two options… change things, or pretend everything is just fine and face the consequences.

Well, life in the music business is no different.

The changes that have been going on for the last decade or so, present a similar situation for any musician or band.

Change, adapt, or not.

Technology changes have been the most common trend in our business. Think of it: a decade ago there was no Twitter or Facebook, or MySpace. Social networking was an email event, or at best a discussion group.

The economy has changed dramatically too. Unemployment and the housing market have brought challenges to everyone. And that means your fans have been affected by these and other social changes.

What are you going to do about it?

Face the fact that your fans are, like the rest of us, are trying to deal with technology and economic issues just like we are.

So, we have to adapt to these changes, as uncomfortable as that may  be, or NOT.

What is your decision? Are you going to adapt to as many new technology tools as you can and learn how to communicate with your fans in newer and more efficient ways, or are you going to remain stubborn, set in your ways, refusing to adapt to these new technology tools?

And the same goes for our economic problems. If indeed the economy is affecting all of us, and that means your fans too, what can you do to get their business, their money, when times are tough and fans of music have SO many other musical choices to choose from?

Are you going to give them some ‘special deals’, or reward them with free songs, or tickets to your live shows, or contests?

What can you think of to attract your fans to support you MORE?

Or

You still have that other choice… do nothing. Just deny reality and pretend that nothing is different today in artist/fan relationships, and that the old analog technology you relied on in the past is just fine.

Yeah, do that. That’s a real smart idea. Don’t change, just deny as best you can.

-----

Christopher Knab is an independent music business consultant based in Seattle, Washington. He is available for private consultations on promoting and marketing independent music, and can be reached by email at: chris@chrisknab.net

Chris Knab's new book,
'Music Is Your Business' is available NOW from the Music Biz Academy bookstore.

Visit the
FourFront Media and Music website for more information on the business of music from Christopher Knab.


Submit An Article for Consideration!
Would you like to submit an article for publication at MusicBizAcademy.com? If you have music-related expertise you'd like to share with other musicians including career tips, how to's, or general music business-related articles, please feel free to send them our way. We'll be glad to consider them.
Submit your article!


untitled

The Four Fronts...
Artist/Product Development
Promotion
Publicity
Performance  


Get Educated...
Master the Music Biz!
Online Courses. Many Programs. Learn Day or Night.

Details Here
 


Christopher Knab
Recommends...



Music Is Your Business
Christopher Knab and Bartley F. Day's expanded edition of "Music Is Your Business" is filled with more insights into the business side of being a successful musician or band. Included are chapters on both Internet and traditional music marketing methods. The essential legal issues you need to know are explained as are music contract tips, how to license your music, attract distributors, get radio airplay and create a demand for your music. More...


How to Promote Your Music Successfully on the Internet

How to Promote Your Music Successfully on the Internet
Our in-depth guide to music promotion demonstrates how you can combine powerful internet marketing techniques to sell your music merchandise online! Learn what works, what doesn't, and what you shouldn't waste your time and money on.
More....


Our Top 25 Articles
How to Write an Artist Bio
Performance Contracts
Mastering Your Music
How to Copyright Music
21 Songwriting Tips

Tax Tips for Musicians

Sell Your CDs Online

What's a Record Deal About?
Artist/Band Interview Form

Inside Record Labels
Internship Do's & Don'ts
How to Make a Living w/ Music

How to Write a Press Release
Reasons Demos Are Rejected
Facts About Music Licensing

Trademark Your Band Name?
Planning A Radio Campaign
A Legal Checklist
Industry Quotes to Live By
Songwriting Techniques
Guerrilla Marketing Tips
Starting a Music Business
Live Performance
Music Marketing Plan
Can U Afford Distribution?

Lots More Articles...


All Content © 1996-2013
Midnight Rain Productions.
All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy