Tag Archives: Music business
The Glass Metaphor
“The pessimist sees the glass as half empty, while the optimist sees the glass as half full.” Or something like that, at least. This simple phrase is how most people define his/her outlook on life: You are either a pessimist that sees the glass half empty, that things are constantly in a state of getting […]
Something Worth Paying For
I enjoy working on my car. I can do all the basic stuff—change the oil, replace belts and hoses, and even change the alternator. But when it comes time to do some real work, there is a level of expertise I don’t have. If I were to attempt some repair jobs, I would be very […]
Five Things I’ve Learned from Gordon Ramsay
I know I’m a little late to this party, but I’ve become a bit addicted to Kitchen Nightmares, the show in which famous chef Gordon Ramsay walks into failing restaurants and rips the entire staff a new one. I’ve always found a strong connection between the culinary and musical arts and what it means to […]
Five Truths of Being a Musician #5
For the last month we’ve been discussing the truths of the musical life. They are … • Most people simply will not “get it.” • They don’t want to hear that new piece you’re working on. • Sometimes you will (and should) turn down a gig. • You may realize this job is not for […]
Five Truths of Being a Musician #4
As I’ve noted, there are several truths about the musical life. • Most people simply will not “get it.” • They don’t want to hear that new piece you’re working on. • Sometimes you will (and should) turn down a gig. Some of these truths you had to learn the hard way. Some are just […]
Truths of Being a Musician #1
If you’re a musician, you’ve no doubt discovered several verities about the musical life. Some you had to learn the hard way. Some are just obvious. Some you can laugh about … now. Here’s the first on my list. Most people will not “get it.” The life of a musician is a strange one. You […]
The Marketer’s Question
A while back, Seth Godin posted a blog that had this to say: Is it interesting because it happened … or because it happened to you? … Should we read your press release or come to your gallery opening or take a sales meeting because it’s important, or because it’s important to you? Marketing is […]
We Care (The Problem With Scale)
Bank of America is getting blasted for its extremely low customer service scores in a recent poll. Of the four largest banks in the country, BofA scored the lowest. That’s not to say the other three scored high either, though. All four scored lower than any local credit unions or regional banks. While listening to […]
Are You Just Surviving? Or Thriving?
If you’ve ever kept a fish (in an aquarium, that is), you will understand this concept. There is a difference in a fish that is surviving and one that is thriving. While the surviving fish may still be “alive” it is only just barely so—it doesn’t move much, gasps frequently, and looks generally weak and […]
Sound Bites / The Business of Art
Being a musician today isn’t simply playing well. It means seeing your art as your business. You are your product.
Long Tones: The Pursuit of a Life in Music 