The Musician Monster Podcast: Music Business For Musicians

There are many ways to get your music out there today, but there’s only one way to do it where you have complete control—and that’s on your website. Today’s guest is Ross from Electric Kiwi. A designer and developer that specializes in creating custom websites for singers, songwriters, and musicians. Ross agreed to come on the show and give the inside scoop on how to craft the perfect music website. If you want an easier way to get your music out there, then today’s episode is for you! Let’s rock! In today’s episode, you’ll learn: * The real purpose of having a website… * …And why it probably isn’t what you think * Visual elements to include in the design * Breakthrough your inner creative battles * How to eliminate 1000 (or more) decisions about your website * Tools to use when if you want to create your own website by yourself * How to get your website finished quickly and love the final result Also, if you have any questions about creating (or upgrading) your music’s website, both Ross and I are on Twitter, so, feel free to tweet a question to us @electrickiwi or @musicianmonster. Useful Resources: * Squarespace.com * WordPress.org * The Musician’s Theme (WordPress) * MusicianMonster.com/resources Connect with Ross: * http://electrickiwi.co.uk (official website) * http://bridge-the-atlantic.com (Ross’s podcast) * http://twitter.com/electrickiwi (official Twitter account) Right-click HERE and “save-as” to download this episode to your desktop Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining me again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons at the bottom of the post. Also, please leave an honest review for The Musician Monster Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and always appreciated! And finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. A very special thank-you to Ross for joining me this week. Until next time… Rock on and prosper! Is there a musician or music industry figure that you’d like me to interview? Send an email to greg@musicianmonster.com or a tweet to @musicianmonster — including the name and contact info (if you have it) of the person you’d like to have interviewed. I will reach out to them and let you know what they say!

In the last podcast episode, I explained the experiment we’re doing on Musician Monster and how were taking an original song from a concept and showing what we do to earn income from it. We’re going through the entire process and sharing everything with you. That said, one of the first steps to making money with music is to record it. This step is pricey, and we want to figure out how to get it done inexpensively, without sacrificing quality. Today’s guest is Tom from MadCraft. Tom’s been on the show before, but I invited him to come back and explain how he records his own music—without going into the studio and spending a fortune. In this episode you’ll learn: * How to get started with recording your music. * …And why you probably don’t need any new gear * Where to place your mics for great audio * Modeling amps and why they’re perfect for beginners * The benefits of multi-tracking * The best place to record vocals FREE * Quick tips for recording guitar and bass… * Mics that are inexpensive but sound great * Recording drums—easy ways to make them sound great Useful links: * Learn more about recording audio: * TheRecordingRevolution.com * Simply Recording podcast * Equipment: [popup_trigger id=”13237″ tag=”span”]*Important disclaimer[/popup_trigger] * Sure SM 57 – Mic* (Buy on Amazon) * XLR Mic – Cables* (Buy on Amazon) * Rode NT2 – Mic* (Buy on Amazon) * Software: * Line 6 – Amp Modeling (Download at Line6.com FREE) * Presonus Fire Studio – Audio Interface* (Buy on Amazon) * Pro Tools – DAW = Digital Audio Workstation (Visit their website) * Sign up for Pro Tools – DAW (Sign up for a FREE 30-day trial) * Logic Pro X DAW – (Buy on Apple’s website) * Reaper DAW – (FREE on company’s website) * Garage Band – DAW (FREE to download and install on Apple products) * Superior Drummer – DAW/Drum tracks (Buy on TuneTrack.com … it’s really expensive) * More From MadCraft: * www.madcraft.net * Facebook * iTunes * Spotify * YouTube Right-Click Here To Download This Episode To Your Desktop Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for joining me again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below.

In today’s episode, I explain how we’re putting the last 12 months of learning into practice so that you can get an over the shoulder view of how to earn income from original music. In this episode, you’ll learn: * The steps to making passive income from original music… * …And an overview of each step * Tools that make a musician’s life easier * Upcoming guests on the musician monster podcast Useful Links: * Subscribe to Musician Monster (updates) * Google Drive (collaborate) * 1KWithMusic (course) * 8 Steps to income from music (published on Musician Monster) Right-click HERE and “save-as” to download this episode to your desktop Thanks for Listening! Thank you for joining me again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons at the bottom of the post. Also, please leave an honest review for the Musician Monster Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are immensely helpful and always appreciated. Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. Want me to interview your favorite musician? Send me an email: greg@musicianmonster.com or a tweet: @musicianmonster and make your request. All you have to do is give me their name and contact info (if you have it) and I’ll invite them on the show. The only criteria is that they must be a full-time musician.

Today’s guest is a masterful musician. Carl Verheyen has been a full-time guitarist since he was 21 years old, holding his first job long enough to pay off his new Les Paul. Despite his success, the way Carl thinks about his role will surprise you. Carl Verheyen is one of the “Top 100 Guitarists of All Time” (according to Classic Rock Magazine) and among the “Top 10 Guitar Players in the World” (Guitar Magazine)–in 1996, he won the LA Music Awards category of Best Guitarist. Carl is mostly known for his guitar work in the band Supertramp (60 million records sold worldwide). He’s also served as a session guitarist for artists like the Bee Gees and Cher. Carl has also recorded studio guitar for sitcoms like Cheers and Seinfeld; and soundtracks for films like The Crow and The Usual Suspects. Today Mr. Verheyen gives us a glimpse into the life of a music industry professional and shares insight on what it takes to become one. If playing music full-time sound good, then the information in today’s episode will be music to your ears. In this episode, you’ll learn: * How to balance your life between family and music * Carl’s role in Supertramp * The options available under the banner of solo musician * How to be a musician that people are excited to work with * Ways to get paid that most of us never thought of * How daily renewal can feed your creativity * The benefits of continuously reinventing yourself * Why it’s important for a musician to remove clutter and stay organized * How to set and achieve goals with music * What makes certain musician’s infinitely more hireable than others Useful Links: * Carl’s official Site * Carl’s guitar secrets * See when Carl’s coming to your area (tour dates) * How to make 1k per with your music (published one MusicianMonster) Follow Carl On The Web: * Facebook * Twitter * YouTube Right-click HERE and “save-as” to download this episode to your desktop Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining me again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below. If you enjoyed this episode,

Today’s guest is Grant McFarland. His band, Galactic Empire, moved from obscurity to stardom almost instantly. They did not have a fan base or a significant internet presence—they had never even released an album. They covered the main Star Wars theme and released a music video alongside it. In 24 hours that video was viewed over 2 million times, leading to more than 2,000 sales of Galactic Empire’s rendition of the Star Wars theme, in less than 7 days. After their video went viral, Galactic Empire was featured in some of the most popular publications in the world: Entertainment Weekly, E!, Guitar World Magazine, Guitar World, Huffington Post, Metal Injection among others. The video also helped them get numerous endorsements. If going viral sounds good to you, then you’ll love today’s episode of the MusicianMonster podcast!* In this episode you’ll learn: * The three things you need to in order to produce a top quality music video * The first steps to creating a viral video—FREE * How to locate and use the resources you have to make a viral music video * Why you don’t need a big video or recording studio to create a viral music video * The best way to build momentum * How to sell out a tour before you leave your hometown Useful Links: * Watch Galactic Empires rendition of the Star Wars theme on… * Facebook * YouTube * Purchase it on iTunes * www.atriumaudio.com (Grant’s recording studio) * www.harryfox.com (License music) * www.loudr.fm (License music) * Learn the three things that make a music video go viral (Published on MusicianMonster) * Build your fanbase like a Jedi (Published on MusicianMonster) Follow Galactic Empire: * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter Right-click HERE and “save-as” to download this episode to your desktop Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for joining me again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons at the bottom of the post. Also, please leave an honest review for the Musician Monster Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are helpful and always appreciated.

Rick Barker loves developing artists and watching them grow. A skill that served him well managing Taylor Swift’s career in the early days of Big Machine Records. Rick talks about growing up poor and stepping down as Taylor’s manager just as he was about to make more money than he ever had. Rick shares his story, explains why he does what he does and the path that took him there. From strippers to cocaine, spandex to radio; promoting local music, managing Taylor Swift and creating The Music Industry Blueprint–Rick Barker is here to offer guidance to any artist wise enough to listen. Let’s rock! In this episode, you’ll learn * The importance of being fearless. * Why desiring to learn is essential to success. * How to meet 500,000 people and turn them into fans–without leaving your hometown. * Why it’s harder to keep a record deal than it is to get one. * How independent artists are making $185,000 per year without a booking agent, label, manager or a song on the radio. * The difference between artist management and artist development. * Why the key to success is to focus on adding value. * How Taylor Swift got a leg up over Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert. * Why solving people’s problems will guarantee that you never run out of work. * Why “I need to be willing to do the work that no one else is willing to do” should be your mantra. * Learn what a music marketing funnel is and how it can help you give away your music and earn waay more money. * The only two things that nobody can take away from you. * Why it’s the best time to be in the music business and how to take advantage of it. * When to start pursuing a label and a manager, why most of us aren’t ready and how to change that! How Rick Barker Can Join Your Team * The Music Industry Blueprint (Rick’s Premium Course) * Social Media For Music (Rick’s Course on Social Media) * Rick’s Official Website (www.rickbarker.com) * How to Work One on One With Rick (Application) * 30 Day Music Marketing Challenge (Includes daily steps to take on each social media platform) * $150,000 Music Degree ([Download] Rick’s FREE eBook) * The Musician’s Theme (WordPress) Useful Links * Scott Borchetta (Founder of Big Machine Records) * Big Machine Records * Jeb Heart (The Guest of MMP012) * TuneCore (Music Distribution) * CD-Baby (Music Distribution) * Sound Exchange (Digital Royalties) * BMI (Publish Songs)

It takes 10,000 hours to master a craft. That means practicing for one hour every day for the next 27 years (assuming you have an efficient routine). The good news is that you can 10x the effectiveness of your practice sessions by finding a great teacher. Over the last 20 years, Jeb Hart has spent 25,000 hours teaching people how to play the guitar. Jeb’s teaching methods are precise. He can take a noob guitarist and turn them into a proficient player in six months. In today’s episode, I ask Jeb how he does it. We also discuss his brand new course. If you’re reluctant to learn guitar because… * Your guitar teacher never had any focus and you lost interest. * You don’t want to learn songs like “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”. * You’re too busy. * It’s too expensive. …Then today’s episode is for you! In this episode, you’ll learn * What to look for in a music teacher * Why the best musicians are usually the best teachers * Why having a teacher is the key to learning quickly * Why it’s important to get out of your comfort zone * A detailed explanation of his brand new course * Why the future of music is in the hands of musicians * How you can access Jeb’s course Useful Links * Six Month Guitar (Jeb’s course) <— Use the code “Monster2016” at checkout. You’ll get a $50 discount from the course, and I’ll get a $50 commission! :D * jeb-hart.com (Jeb’s personal site) * Jeb on Facebook * Jeb Hart and Danika Holmes (official site) Right-click HERE and “save-as” to download this episode to your desktop Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for joining me again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons at the bottom of the post. Also, please leave an honest review for the MusicianMonster Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and always appreciated! And finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. And finally, a big thank you to Jeb Hart for coming on the show. See you next time! Is there a musician you’d like me to interview? If so, send an email to greg@musicianmonster.com or a tweet to @musicianmonster and give me the name and contact info (if you have it) of the musician you want me to interview.

Danika Holmes has played over 400 shows since she decided to pursue music full time in 2010. The path that took here there is rarely traveled–abandoning her Ph.D., only a dissertation short of becoming “Dr. Holmes.” Don’t let Danika’s “luck” fool you into thinking she’s had it easy. It was only through taking consistent action that she was able to go from dropping out of college to a full-time musician. Danika explains everything in today’s episode of the MusicianMonster Podcast. I can’t wait for your to hear the wisdom Danika brings. Let’s rock! In this episode, you’ll learn: * Crowdfunding and why it’s easier that ever before * Why having a vision for your music is everything * What people back in a crowdfunding campaign–and why it’s not what you expect * The only two things you need to build a fan base * Social media, why it’s great (and not so great) and how to use it in the best way * House concerts and why they’re the key to being an independent musician * The easiest way to put on your own house concert * Why we get nervous on stage and what to do about it * Why a “flower pedal tour” is the first step before touring (see below)   Useful links: * www.kickstarter.com * www.patreon.com * www.launchandrelease.com (Learn about crowdfunding) * www.onstagesuccess.com (Tom Jackson’s website) * www.sixmonthguitar.com (Jeb Heart’s course) * www.concertsinyourhome.com * My interview with Shannon Curtis * No Booker, No Bouncer, No Bartender (Shannon Curtis’ book) More on Danika * Official Site * Twitter * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Reverb Nation Get Danika’s Music: * iTunes * Spotify * Official Shop Right-Click Here To Download This Episode To Your Desktop! Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for joining me again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below! f you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons at the bottom of the post. Also, please leave an honest review for the MusicianMonster Podcast on 

Flush It Down! I want to give you the skinny before you listen to this episode…because the more I learn, the more I realize why we musicians have trouble building momentum. The OLD music industry is in the toilet We do not hear about it as often because the numbers used to measure the size of the new industry are different. Record labels had a hierarchical system and it doesn’t work anymore. They defined success by one number: record sales. And people don’t buy records anymore. The NEW music industry is thriving The old system doesn’t work and that is a good thing! We should be ecstatic because we don’t have to sell out to get signed anymore. For better or worse–musicians have freedom. Problem is, most musicians don’t see that. They believe the music industry is “dying”. Why? Because we go by the old definition of success and instead of looking for answers, we think about how “unfair” the situation is and throw our hands up in frustration…I can relate. The point?  It’s difficult to think as an individual. Especially if we don’t look for answers and rely on opinions to decide what we believe. You will hear what I mean in the episode. Just know that I was pissed when I recorded it. If we want to rise above the noise then we have to get smart, ask questions and look for answers. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why the old music industry is dead… …And why you should be jazzed about it Answers to some confusing questions The MAIN difference between the two The first steps to take Why you should ignore what you hear How to implement new strategies Right Click Here To Download This Episode Right To Your Desktop! Useful links: Speed Painter Google AdWords Google Trends Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for joining me again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons at the bottom of the post. Also, please leave an honest review for The Musician Monster Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and always appreciated! And finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. Thanks for chillin’ with me guys. Until next time-rock on and prosper!

The Practicing Mind is: learning and achieving through intention and repetition. And musicians have it in spades…sometimes. By the time Tom Sterner was twenty three he had worked with some of the largest orchestras in the world. He knows what he is talking about when it comes to practice and patience. But it wasn’t always like that… Tom suffered during his youth. He would get excited when starting a new project but the inspiration would die soon after. He lacked focus and couldn’t stick with anything long enough to see results. Feeling frustrated, he decided to make a change. In the process, Tom discovered how to control his creativity instead of his creativity controlling him. And that is what this interview is all about. In this episode, you’ll learn: * Why focusing on being “good” as a musician is actually kind of bad * The one thing musicians do and why it cripples creativity * How to have more time, energy and focus * Find out how to get relaxed control of your creative genius * The definition of perfection * How to keep your initial inspirations from dying too early * Discover the number one cause of creative failure (and why it’s an easy fix!) * How 5 minutes every day will make you laser focused * The one thing that makes the Practicing Mind possible and how to get it * How to ignore irrelevant distractions * Set goals without limiting your creativity * Why musicians struggle with motivation and what to do about it Right-Click Here To Download This Episode To Your Desktop Useful links: * The Practicing Mind (on Amazon) * Official book trailer (YouTube) * The Practicing Mind (official website) * Discover more about Tom Sterner * Reviews of The Practicing Mind * More on “Thought Awareness Training” Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for joining me again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons at the bottom of the post. Also, please leave an honest review for The Musician Monster Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and always appreciated! And finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. A very special thank-you to Tom Sterner for joining me this week. Peace!

In part two of our discussion, Tommy and I spend a lot of time talking about indecision. The topic hit home for me because it's easy to worry about making the wrong move out of fear about what might happen. There's a ton to talk about and I do not want to spoil anything. I will save everything else for the interview.

Tommy Darker sheds some light on what it means to be a Musicpreneur, the price to pay for a music career and why it's totally worth it. Freedom, fear and the future of music!

We all want to inspire more people. The more people we can inspire and the more lives we can impact, the more fans we will create. When you think about it, the life of any successful musician, athlete, artist, entertainer, entrepreneur, etc. had an impact on many people. But, what does it actually take in order to do that? What do we need to have? After a few interviews and multiple case studies, I’ve noticed common traits shared by most successful musicians. Perhaps this is forward of me, but I believe I’ve nailed the traits down to three. They are… Vision, Grit and Sincerity — ie. the artist acting in a way that is genuine. Also, I’m going to play an interview I did with a band in my area. I think this is good stuff because I asked them some tough questions. Pay attention to the consistency of their responses. Consistency comes quickly when you have the three things I mentioned above. You have the same mindset and vision. I can’t wait for you to hear this episode of the Musician Monster Podcast… Let’s rock! In this episode, you’ll learn: • Vision and why it’s almost impossible to inspire people without one • What vision actually means when it comes to being a musician • Discover how one of the greatest bands ever, used their music and vision to inspire people • Learn about “grit” and the essential role it will play in your music’s success • Discover what the musicians “fairy tale” is and why it exists • How a common weakness can eliminate your ability to influence • Why the most influential people in the world were loved and hated • Why artists today have to be genuine if they want influence • How musicians have stayed “hidden” in the past and why they no longer are • Why artists who allow people into their lives build trust and build a fan base Useful links: • Taylor Swift video • Amanda Palmer: Ted Talks • Grit: Ted Talks • Anvil <— These guys have serious grit • YouTube video of the interview segment • MMP006: Kobra Paige Right click here and “save as” to download this episode to your desktop. Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining me again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons at the bottom of the post. Also, please leave an honest review for The Musician Monster Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and always appreciated! And finally, don’t forget to

My guest today is a woman who knows what she’s talking about when it comes to being a musician. Kobra Paige is a phenomenal vocalist and songwriter–but she didn’t get there overnight. Starting her journey as a spectator in a Judas Priest concert, she spent years writing songs and continues to pursue her music at all costs. Her band, Kobra and the Lotus have toured and opened for KISS, Def Leppard, Judas Priest, Black Label Society, Max Cavalera, Slash, Steel Panther, Buckcherry, Amaranthe, Fear Factory, Primal Fear, Stratovarius, Praying Mantis, Demon Hunter, Amanda Somerville, Hate Eternal and Sonata Arctica. I can’t wait for you to hear the wisdom Kobra has brought with her today. Let’s rock! [su_spacer] In this episode, you’ll learn: • The importance of being authentic as an artist • Why pressure to “sell out” is a lie • What it was like working with Gene Simmons • Why there are no shortcuts when it comes to music… • You have to do the work • What it’s like touring with Def Leppard and Judas Priest • How to stay positive • Why acknowledging small wins makes a big difference • Why it’s necessary to treat every show the same • Understanding you are there to give energy to the people at your show and not the other way around • How music is more of a “business card” today • Why it’s important to separate personal and professional relationships with band members Right-click here and save-as to download this episode to your computer   If you believe in something, pursue it! [su_spacer] Useful links: Follow Kobra Paige and Kobra and the Lotus • Official Site • Facebook • Twitter • YouTube Purchase KATL’s Music • iTunes • Spotify Current Band Members • Kobra Paige – vocals, piano (2009–present) • Jasio Kulakowski – lead/rhythm guitar (2012–present) • Brad Kennedy – bass guitar (2013–present) • Bones Elias – guest drums • Jake Dreyer – guest guitars Discography • Out of the Pit (2010) • Kobra and the Lotus (2012) • High Priestess (2014) Videography  Title From the album “Ace Of Spades” Out of the Pit “Snake Pit” “Ride Like Sugar”...

[su_spacer] In this episode, you’ll learn: • How to start your own house concerts. • Why house concert tours earn more income than traditional touring • Misconceptions a potential host might have and how to overcome them • Who to impress if you want to build momentum, quickly • Why a house concert requires ZERO promotion • Why her E-mail list is her most valuable asset • Finding the right hosts • Creating the ideal performance space • Helping your hosts put together their invite lists • Setup and flow • Gathering donations Right click here and save-as to download this episode to your computer. While reading Shannon’s book, I was blown away by the process of putting together a house concert and by how practical it is! If you are interested in learning more about it, I encourage you to read her book No Booker, No Bouncer, No Bartender: How I Made $25K On A 2-Month House Concert Tour (And How You Can Too). [su_spacer] Some of the topics covered in Shannon’s Book: • How to build an itinerary using your existing email list and social media relationships • How to focus your audience and maximize your show’s intimacy and connectivity • How best to pace the evening to maximize guests’ experience (and your income!) • How to partner with your host for a financially successful event • Specific equipment recommendations and how-tos • How to create awareness, maximize your effectiveness, and make more money • How to set yourself up for a successful event by guaranteeing “critical mass” Shannon Curtis has a new album releasing June 16th. I encourage you to check out on of the featured tracks,  I Know I Know. The message and meaning behind the song, at least in my opinion, is a testament to the “why” behind her success. It’s worth checking out! [su_spacer] Useful links: • Shannon’s book (Kindle/paperback) *2014 • Shannon’s book (Paperback) *2015 • shannoncurtis.net • shannoncurtis.net/community • I Know I Know video • Iknowiknow.me • Upcoming tour dates [su_spacer] Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of the post. Also, please leave an honest review for The ...