Where is the Music Industry headed with AI? Not quite where you may like…

Posted on June 9, 2023 by MusicBizMadness

Music and artificial intelligence, “AI”, has been all over the media for a while now, though noone really touched the downside of it, the bad impact it can (or will) have on musicians, publishers and labels. Many journalists – often with no knowledge about the music business – have gleefully pointed towards the enhancement we can all get from AI once we’re stuck with writer’s block. But hey, aren’t journalists next in line? Continue reading →

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Has Social Media failed you?

Posted on April 20, 2023 by MusicBizMadness

Recently I have heard a lot of musicians worry about their reach on social media. They are not reaching as many followers as they have reached before. Rumors are out that social meda platforms intentionally limit their users’ reach to urge them to buy ads. Even if we pay for a broader reach, will we get any measurable revenue other than likes and shares?  Continue reading →

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The most important Sync / Music Licensing terms

Posted on July 28, 2016 by MusicBizMadness

Once you have decided to make your music available for placements in films, television, games and commercials a number of new terms will come up. Terms you should get familiar with so you will understand what the person on the other end of the line is talking about. And after all there will be contracts to examine… That’s why we have created a list with the most common – and most important – Sync and Music Licensing terms for you.  Continue reading →

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Direct Marketing for Musicians (Part 2)

Posted on June 6, 2016 by MusicBizMadness

We have already discussed the meaning and impact of direct marketing in part one. In this part we want to take a closer look at a number of direct marketing methods in the music business. And how we can „work“ our fans efficciently.

For all methods and media there is a set of basic rules we can follow:  Continue reading →

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Direct Marketing for Musicians (Part 1)

Posted on May 20, 2016 by MusicBizMadness

Direct marketing is probably the most effective way to create awareness for products and services. Even to musicians this method is being regularly recommended since it is (initially) cost-effective and delivers high conversion rates. Despite all the advantages, though, the question remains: Where can you find contacts to reach with direct marketing?  Continue reading →

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Music Theft 2.0

Posted on April 21, 2016 by MusicBizMadness

A new wave of music theft is about to roll in – and this time it’s not the „fans“ who use illegal means to avoid the purchase. This time musicians are making unauthorized use of other musicians’ tracks and call it theirs. So how does it work exactly?  Continue reading →

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Super Fans

Posted on April 6, 2016 by MusicBizMadness

The term „Super Fan“ has become a regular in the field of music marketing. Let’s define this species a little more thoroughly and have a look at where we can most obviously find and convert potential candidates.  Continue reading →

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Fuck the Facts – give us Ideas

Posted on March 24, 2016 by MusicBizMadness

Streaming accounts for 13% of the total music revenue in Europe, Vinyl increased by 30%, CDs are still the main product of choice. Interesting numbers that present a good picture of the music industry’s current state. But are these facts of any importance to the self-marketed musician who usually avoids the mainstream?  Continue reading →

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Musicians Taken For Idiots

Posted on March 9, 2016 by MusicBizMadness

The excess supply of ever new music services and ever weirder business models and all the sage advisors out there are currently raising a new breed of musicians that are ready, willing and able to be cheated and taken for idiots. Under the guise of innovation and being hip the decline in values – and prices – is being made palatable especially for young up-and-coming musicians. Continue reading →

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When can a Record Deal pay off?

Posted on February 24, 2016 by MusicBizMadness

Do-it-yourself vs. record deal – both come with ups and downs. While selling your music all by yourself will generate a higher turnover per unit, a record label is able to move more units. Let’s try to find out how long you are better off alone and when working with a record label can be useful.  Continue reading →

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