When does Talent begin to have dimishing returns?

In a discussion about live performances, an interesting topic came up. It was this.....At what point, if ever, does talent begin to have diminishing returns? By this I mean effecting other aspects of your music business. It seems many people I would consider "musicians" keep great concern over, what I call, the "mechanical" aspect of their music. They are almost obsessively concerned with level of difficulty of the songs in their library/show and the execution of the songs on stage. I understand the need for knowing how to play your instrument and execute your songs in a live performance, that is not really my point. When is it enough for you to allow yourself to focus your efforts elsewhere.

Is the "mechanical" aspect ever taken care of? Do some artists obsess over that aspect because the don't like, don't understand, or are scared of the other sides of their career in music? Do they think they will eventually be rewarded because they are talented and it's just a matter of time before some realizes it. It reminds of a gambler. Just one more show and they will see, they have to.

How is your behavior on stage, how is your interaction with the audience? Are the messages in your songs resonating emotionally with the audience. (I just don't see many people these days enjoying music based on how good a guitar player can "shred.")

I guess this has always been an issue with me. Not that this is the same thing, but it reminds me when people would ask me about a band. I might say something like "Yeah, they are great, but I don't like them." I would hear, "you contradict yourself" and "that doesn't make any sense, " and "How could you say they are great, but you don't like them?"

I would say it makes perfect sense. I am objective enough to recognize a band I really don't enjoy listening to has talent. I think talent is less of an opinion than what people enjoy. Just because I don't enjoy listening to a particular band doesn't mean they are not talented, but just because a band is obviously talented, doesn't mean their music connects with me.

Then they would start the "talent is an opinion too" argument." They would question how I knew Rush had any talent and what was I basing it on, just silly stuff.

Anyway, back to my original point. I just think very few people are in the audience with talent meters deciding whether an artist "moved" them based on what it registering on the meter.

Thoughts?

Charlie275

What is the Realistic End Goal?

When we start our journey in making music, I don't think we tend to think too heavily on the Realistic End Goal. Yeah, everyone wants to be a rock star and get jumbo jet like Led Zepplin, but soon the reality hits that it is harder than it appears. The idea that you created a song that had not previously been in the world, and that it is yours, can be quite the sense of accomplishment. You might begin to ask yourself, "What is the one milestone that would make me feel like this has been a success." The time usually does come when there is a goal or business aspect to our music career. I have been trying to figure out what Realistic End Goals there might be. Here is my list so far:

1) To feel you have left an impression in the music scene (local, national, and/or international)
2) To feel you have touched someones life or a group of peoples lives with you music
3) For the band to be a self sustainable force, not financed by your day job or parents.

Yes, there are many small accomplishments along the way. I might be thrilled I got selected to play the local ice cream social, but after all is said and done,is that enough. When do you consider your music career a success?

Charlie275

"Merch" - The new "Talk to the Hand?"

This is growing very tired. Everything I read that has to do with indie music, everywhere I go, people are talking about the merch......our merch.......... sell your merch......... cool merch............... do you have merch. Can we stop this already? I guess it has been around for a long time....but it is just so played out.

I can only figure a few reasons why someone insist on constantly using this ridiculous word.

#1 It makes them feel good. They feel like they've accomplished something cause they learned the indie lingo. Well, its OK we didn't write crap today, we know "merch"

#2 They are soooo busy selling, they just don't have time to say the entire word "merchandise"

#3 They feel they are part of this unique subculture. If you don't know the words like "merch" then you are not in the "indie scene."

#4 If you use corporate words like "merchandise" you've sold out. You ain't indie, you ain't nothin but a sellout. Nothing but a no merch sayin' suit.

Well anyway you put it. One can only hope this lame word has the same fate as "Not!", "bling", and "talk to the hand." So stop saying it now, because it is not long before your parents and Katie Couric are saying it! Oh, yeah....Merch!

Charlie275

TuneCore, CDBaby, Nimbit, Bandbox, ReverbNation

Presenting situation: I have one song recorded. I do not have a physical CD yet. I would like to have the song available in digital format for customers to purchase and download. This will require a service that stores the song on their servers and provides shopping cart availability for check-out and payment. Net funds will then need to be transferred to me.

Solutions: In order to get my song to the online retailers, I need to find a company that distributes the song to the major online retailers such as iTunes. From my reading, I understand, a company that offers this distribution service is sometimes called a Digital Distribution Service, or Digital Aggregator. Some examples are: TuneCore, CD Baby, Nimbit, Bandbox, ReverbNation, and others. Some of these distributors are also independent retailers that will sell your physical CD's and digital downloads direct from their site.

Examples of online retailers are: iTunes, Rhapsody, eMusic, etc.

Next Problem: The Digital Distributors offer different ways of distributing your music:

1) Send to the online digital retail stores for the retailer to sell
2) Independently offer downloads themselves from a provided artist page
3) And/or, the other Direct to Fan method, "Widgets."

--it should be noted, some digital distributors also act as independent retailers.
--it should be noted, some widgets allow you to only listen to the song, while some allow purchase as well.

The Digital Distributors also have different payment structures.

***Please check everything for accuracy. I do not understand this very well and it is all very confusing to me. If you notice something that is inaccurate, please leave a comment and I will try to fix it.

I have been doing some reading on the digital distribution options, TuneCore, CD Baby, Nimbit, Bandbox, and ReverbNation. This is strictly a beginners opinion, I probably have no idea what I am talking about and I have not used any of these services for these purposes. My assessment does not weigh heavy on the other services that might be offered by the digital distributors, as I am just looking for a way to make my song available. The other services offered, such as band promotion, ticket sales, and t-shirts, mugs, frisbees, pencils, and logo diaper bags are another issue. These are things you might want to take in consideration when you select your digital distribution company, but for now, I am comparing mainly the format of distribution of the song offered by each.

Here is a list of some of the things I was taking into consideration and or wanted:

1) Digital Distribution (For the purpose of this blog, this refers to a when a a company such as TuneCore sends your music to online digital retailers such as iTunes, Rhapsody and other online retailers that sell the downloads for you.....This might also include sending the song to an internet an radio station or two for spins on their station.)
2) Artist Page - A web page provided by the company such as CD Baby that allows you to sell your digital downloads and possibly physical product directly from them. They might also be a digital distributor to the big online retailers, but can also be digital retailers themselves. This way the customer can either buy directly from the the company such as CD Baby or buy from an online retailer such as iTunes. Buying direct from the digital distribution company is sometimes called direct to fan, as you eliminate the larger online retailer.
3) Widget -A small template box, embedded into your website for direct to fan sales. Some of these allow the listener to play song samples only some, are fully functional stores with checkout right on your own website.
4) Communication from the digital distribution company.
5) Active discussion forums with up to date help and participation.
6) Fair pricing.
7) Easy to understand, up front with information and pricing. Not too busy of a website.
8) Payment structure that is feasible to use for one song

Here are some examples of some of the payment structures. You need to determine which is best for you.

Pay a fee up front, then pay a yearly renewal fee.
Pay a fee up front, then pay a percentage of sales.
Pay a fee each month, pay a percentage of sales.
Pay a fee each month.
Pay a percentage of sales.

Some have special pricing for singles.

All companies have different up front fees, renewal fees, and percentages. You really need to figure out which is better for you or you and/or your band.

TuneCore - Digital Distribution to retailers only. Easy to find forum. Communication seems to be the best ever. No physical CD sales. No artist page provided. No widget for sales.
(I don't know if you have to be named Pete to work at TuneCore or this is all one guy. (jk) It is quite amazing how many posts on different discussion boards throughout the internet this guy responds on.) A "single" $9.99 per year, one song 19 stores ( I don't know if there is an additional $9.99 set up fee or it is included in the first year)

CD Baby - Digital Distribution to retailers. Also provides a CD Baby artist page where you can sell physical CDs and Digital downloads. No widget. In my recent, limited experience communication has been slow. I don't know if they still have a forum. Seems maybe there used to be one, but maybe its not used much anymore. I love the idea of the artist page. Fans do not have to belong to iTunes or Rhapsody or other third party to download a song. CD Baby has a long history helping indie artists from back in the Sivers days. $9.00 for a "single" plus 9% of net earnings. iTunes worldwide plus 17 others

Nimbit - What separates Nimbit from the previous one's is being able to sell from your own website or myspace page without having to navigate elsewhere. It is my understanding, purchasers do not get redirected to other webpages or other websites or other retailers, such as iTunes, in order to purchase your song. The purchaser can do it all right there from the OMT (Online Merch Table) which is a small Flash looking designed widget box that you embed on your website(s). The OMT has an artist bio, tracklisting, store, and shopping cart all built in. I did get an artist link when I subscribed. The artist page, however, is blank except for the OMT in the middle as it would appear on my website if I had a blank page. I don't know if there is more I can do with this page or it gets better with other pricing schedules. They do offer digital distribution in their different pay structures, but the cool thing here is the OMT. Even cooler? These folks have a phone number! You can call them! I did it! It worked! I think they take 20% of item or download. Their packages range from $0 - $24.95 per month.

Bandbox - Widget. Sell directly from your site with a widget. I am really interested in this platform, but for one song, I don't know if it is feasible. I think what sets them apart is a monthly fee for unlimited digital album and unlimited digital tracks. Dedicated person on the helpdesk. Have not used it, but seems genuine and was easy to find. $9.95 per month or $14.95 per month, you keep 100%.

ReverbNation - Digital Distribution to retailers. Artist page with digital downloads and merchandise and much, much more. A lot going on here. Seems like everything music is going on at this site. Wraparound services here. I hope to post more on RN later. $34.95/year and $59.95 year.

Keep in mind you will also need a UPC barcode and ISRC code. Some charge for this some are free.

As far as the correct pricing, business practices, and accuracy of blog information, you need to do you own due diligence.

Charlie275

Musicians! Stop with your political views!

Why, why is this necessary. Why do celebrities, especially musicians, express their political views. I can't stand it. I am glad they say good things about our President, any of our Presidents, I don't care which side, but don't bash another. I love all these tough rebel rockers that bragged about dropping out of school and becoming a musician, all of a sudden are experts in political science. Nobody cares about your political views .

I remember reading an article in one of those Sunday magazine inserts. They asked Luke Perry some political question. He said something like, why would you ask me that. Before I played a high school student on television, I worked in asphalt, why would you care about what I think about politics? Is he the only one that gets it? Probably, he was always underrated as an actor anyway.