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Independent Musicians Discover the Secret to Success

Seattle, WA – There are over 203,000 independent musicians in the US alone, according to the most recent census. And these are just the ones who officially claim to make a living at it.

There are millions more trying to make their way into the music business. Yet only a few dozen of them will ever achieve any level of financial success. The chances of any of them “making it big” are miniscule at best. Those are pretty discouraging numbers. So why do the “indies” keep singing? And what can they do to improve their odds?

Derek Sivers is president of CDBaby.com, an online “store” that sells CD’s from independent artists. Sivers says that 95% of the artists who have a CD on the site sell at least something, but that 90% of the sales are made by only 12% of the artists. “It used to be for musicians only 10% of your career was up to you. ‘Getting discovered’ by impressing one of these magic few gatekeepers who would present your music to the world, was about all you could do. Now, 90% of your career is up to you. You have to come up with a plan and make it happen, too. Make the kind of business plan that will get you to a good sustainable level of success, even without a big record deal. That way you’ll win no matter what happens.” Sivers tells artists they must learn the business side of the music business.

 

“I love music, it’s what I was born for,” says independent artist Aneel. “The problem is that so many indies pursue getting a contract with a label. What they don’t realize is that they’ll spend a ton of money trying to win that contract, and even if they land one, they’ll spend their own money producing an album. By the time it’s all said and done, if they break even, that’s doing pretty good.”

 

Aneel’s example is all too common. While trying to break into the big leagues, Aneel co-hosts an online music show called “The Juice”, which originates from the UK. In his role as internet DJ, he’s heard similar stories of struggle from musicians around the world. That gave him an idea.

 

“I decided to pull together experts from a variety of fields who could help independent musicians improve their business skills,” says Aneel. He realized that the issue wasn’t a lack of musical talent, but rather that most indies don’t look at themselves as a business. Aneel found 20 “coaches” on topics ranging from international distribution to royalties and taxes to website marketing to entertainment law.

 

He produced a video called “411 on the Independent Music Movement”. (See www.411onmusic.com.) The 3 DVD set teaches independent artists exactly how to turn their low-paying hobby into a lucrative business. It even includes a database of over 9,000 important industry contacts.

 

“I learned how to promote and distribute my own music, how to book live performances online, and most importantly, how and who to contact about my music,” says Dan Thomasson of the group Nature’s Calm. “Aneel’s DVD was just what I needed to help me be more successful in the music business. This is a great resource for all independent music artists.”

 

Especially with internet distribution growing at a staggering pace, increasing to over $10 billion in 2007 (according to New Media Music Informa), the market for independent music presents an expanding opportunity for independent artists. But will they understand the need to run their bands like businesses?

From the group Downriver Zero, artist Phil Mooney says “The 411 DVD is quite a ‘must have’ asset for myself and my band or for any artist, either just starting out or well established. The flow of the material is excellent. From business planning, to overseas promotion, and tax law. This DVD is the seed for success! I cannot wait to tell you what it has helped me and my band accomplish.”

So, despite the long-shot odds, an increasing number of independent artists are beginning to discover the secrets to getting out of the garage and building a successful music business.

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Contact:

Music 4 Da Soul Records

PO Box 6213, Kent, WA 98064

253-831-8834

aneel@411onmusic.com or http://www.create411.com/admin/javascripts/tiny_mce/aneelsmusic@yahoo.com

http://www.411onmusic.com/

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