how do I release this record?????

[weatherbill007]

Was wondering if anyone had some wisdom to share on this subject because often, artists and bands release a record, but it does'nt go very far becasue no marketing behind it.....any ideas on the indy level?????????

 

[Another PK]

Went to your website and the article regarding the Indie Illusion is a seemingly honest and sincere view of how you see this industry.

The all-too-often problem of books is that they don't work as you have discovered. If they did, everyone would be bazillionaires.

How-To books about this industry ALMOST always miss two key points critical to how this industry works.
1. The truth about General Licensers
2. The truth about the publishing aspect in this industry.

It is true that there are many SCAMS in this industry and this industry doesn't have a gentle reputation - nor has it earned it.

Nevertheless, the problem with the average wannabee is that they generally tend to think EVERYTHING is FREE and IF they are 'good enough' someone is going to 'discover' them and GIVE them the never-did-exist-free-million-dollars.

While the Idiot Element such as Flo' Dildo, Waldo, BlueJackass, Bi-Polared Outlaws, ect., and the psychopath (earthboundpsychopath) will have all manner and problem with anything that VMG or its supporters have to say, it doesn't change the fact that YOU might find the information contained in the website http://www.vmgworldwide.com/fullsite.htm helpful to you and your music endeavors.

It also appears that YOU understand that it does take money to do this industry. You might find solutions to some of the where to spend the money properly in order to minimize your investment risks. You might now also understand where some of the money you might have spent endeavoring to get to where you want to go, could have been spent more prudently and with all the reasons why.

And NO, this is NOT a solicitation to get your business. Learn from the information and make the most of it wherever you choose to go and with whatever company you can.

If you have any questions, ask them and we'll do our best to answer EVERY honest and sincere question you have. If you do happen to search this BB, you will know that The General and other VMG supporters WILL NOT tolerate jackassed ones.

 

[Flo' Dolo]

i don't have a problem with everything vmg or its' supporters say, that's why I've been asking very specific questions. Even in my very first post to general (in a different thread than the one that sits close to the top of this forum), I didn't address his validity as whatever he claims himself or vmg to be. If you're gonna spell my name, spell it right.


Hey Weatherbill007,

go ahead & read through the vmg site as best you can (tolerate) and then ask this yo-yo a question. Maybe you'll be luckier than the rest of us. I will PM you tomorrow with some links you might find interesting, and a couple of books that may help answer some of your questions. In addition, there are plenty of folks who post here about how they are pursuing their DIY/Indie dreams. Take it all with a grain of salt (as with everything, my words included), but the various threads are worth looking into, even if it's just to help you decide how not to do things as some other people are. I'd post that info, those links, & my 2 cents right here, but as sure as Willie the wino turned a 12 ounce can of Pabst Blue Ribbon into a gallon of Wild Irish Rose, there are some knuckleheads lurking, and then leaping, onto anyone's back they think they can ride into the ground.

I'll get that stuff to you next time i visit this bbs.

good luck,

diendolo

 

[The General]

Flo',

Get on with your little boys and leave the real business to those of us who aren't impotent and have the brains to operate in this Best Of All Industries.


Weatherbill007,

Once you've been through the grinder of our site, you'll have the foundation blocks to DIY or sign without losing your shirt or ass in the process.

Best of Luck.

TDA

 

[tjohnston]

Gather around children. The general is going to tell us about the idiot factor again.

 

[leavings]

weatherbill, I apologize if this is a bit long-winded.

I'm no guru of licensing or promotional services, because I was determined to avoid using them when I started out. However, I do have extensive experience of what it takes to market something. While my own work is still not very recognizable, I have helped my brother in his efforts promoting the magazine he created and his first book, published last year. The magazine has grown to a readership of about 30,000 and his book sold 20,000 copies in the first year of publication. Both have been picked up by Simon and Schuster.

I don't think that there's any vital, clandestine information that my brother possesses. He just has business smarts, he's persistent, and most importantly he's talented. I agree with PK that many people are deluded in thinking that talent alone is enough to be successful. While I think that trivializes the significance of having a good product, it's true that many artists fail because they naiively expect their talent to market itself. The reality is that you need the skills to back it up, or you are forced to rely on other people to provide what you lack.

You have to decide how much you are willing to risk and sacrifice. How much time can you dedicate? How much money do you have available? Is this a project you want to devote yourself to or is it just for fun? Forgive me if these questions are vague and cliched, but until you answer them for yourself it's much more difficult to pursue what you want.

My specific advice to you would be to at least attempt it on your own first. Marketing methods are no secret. We all know how to put flyers up, call local venues, and make connections. Of course there are innovative ways to promote yourself, but the most innovative will be the ones you think of on your own. Remember that no one is going to be as invested in your project as you are, and it will only progress as much as you work to make it so. You are the best marketing tool you have.

Of the 5 or 6 people that I know who have been very successful with their work, all of them shared those traits with my brother (the exception being the shock value act who naturally turned out the biggest). They were all talented, persistent, business savvy, devoted, and hard-working.

Enough rambling, I hope that was helpful.