by admin on March 24, 2009
- (L-R): Brett Vargason, Dennis Matkosky, Tom Michael, Todd Shay, (seated) Lyndee Collier
A day after writing about how to “make it” (that is a difference) in the music business, the real-deal walked into our lives today. Song writing legend, Dennis Matkosky, spent 3hrs at Zodlounge today writing a new tune for the Zodlounge produced band Collier. Dennis showed up ready to serve and assist in whatever way he could to co-write a great song for the band. He didn’t rest on his achievements or accolades (and they are many…just check out his fruit), but rather he came to serve the song (not himself) and ultimately the direction of the band. A very classy guy, Dennis was a pleasure to work with and we look forward to hosting another session with him in the future. He was the “real Matkosky”!
by admin on March 23, 2009
I have had the extreme priviledge of observing three of the most talented producers/musicians up close and personal for the last two years. Through their sphere of influence, I have been invited to sit with “King Makers” in the music business. Kings are a dime a dozen and come and go with the next trend, but King Makers are rare and reside on a completely different planet than kings. These individuals have not only shaped sounds, but their influences have shaped generations of life and music.
As I sit like a fly on the wall and observe, there really is one distinct thread that runs through all of these leaders that have “made it” in the music business. Beyond their talent, they value relationships. People are more important than positions or gigs. They go out of their way to make others feel important. They are the ones that do the favor, go the extra mile, do the right thing…why, because it is who they are. They are true to themselves and never try to be someone they’re not. This value of relationship was always there…even before their success was. As a result, when their name comes up in conversation, the usual bad-mouthing doesn’t take place. That is why their phone would ring…and to this day, it still does.
Don’t think you’re competing with the graduate of some slick music school…those guys are a dime a dozen and at the first sight of blood, faint! You’re competition is a stereotype: the way to success is by stepping on others or pushing them out of the way as you stand to thank the academy for your award. The “King Makers” laugh at you and call you JIVE. Your ship may keep sailing, but eventually you will be stranded on an island by yourself with no one to rescue you. That doesn’t have to be you.
It’s not business you thick-headed music-person. Business is when goods and services are exchanged. What happens before and after that is ALL about relationships. Treat each relationship that you encounter as just that, a relationship. They’re not a stepping stone. They’re people! Any true leader can spot this a mile away. Eventually a “stoner” (as I call them) will run out of stones to step on and sink. Don’t be one. Be a “long-termer”, not just when it’s convenient or if the relationship might lead to “your shining star”. Find those “King Makers” and get around them, serve them…have coffee (you buy), run an errand for them, sit at their feet and ask questions…then shut up 
…and listen. The greatest leaders are the greatest servers. If you want to make it, that is “a difference”, in the music business…then learn to serve as you cultivate your friendships.
by admin on March 14, 2009
You may not be a Nascar fan or hop on your carbon-fiber framed road bike to go for a 100 mile ride everyday, but you know that it’s easier to draft, then lead. I know the air is cleaner out front, but keeping with the simplicity of the metaphor, it’s easier to draft.
Today marks a milestone for me (and i’m not a PC basher), but PC guys get a rush from being out in front; exploring the BIOS, troubleshooting in forums, taking apart machines, building new ones…you get the idea…real, big-time tinkering! Well, after joining the MAC world two years ago with an iMac and Mac Book, I finally let go of my last PC related device…The Treo 700W. Can I tell you something, it feels really good to draft now. I have been literally burning months of my life up from the drag of third party software and app’s against my grill. Even in the letting go of the Treo and not using MS Exchange anymore it has cost me days of planning, tech-support calls, transferring of files, double-checking emails in transferring from Entourage, and not too mention I will now be saving $1800/yr from phone bills and exchange fees.
It sucks! I hate drag! Our life is too important for this! Humble yourself. Change, and get behind someone who is not competing with you, but breaking the air for you. Your life will be so much simpler (I didn’t say better, although i could make a case for it).
Don’t get me wrong, you can get a flat drafting too and even wipe out. But I would much rather pull in the pits, let my crew fix my tire and then get back in the race. I have spent literally MONTHS of my life pulling over, flagging down other “drag lovers” for help with my problem…NO MORE! I am drafting now and it feels just fine!
by admin on March 7, 2009
If you think it’s lonely at the top, you have been seriously mistaken about leadership. If it’s lonely at the top, it means no one is following you!
The greatest leaders are the biggest servers. They are also the first to admit they don’t know everything. They ask a lot of questions, do endless research, surround themselves with people who are smarter than they are, and last but not least…they know when to admit they are wrong or unsure.
If you don’t have “cred”, don’t act like you do. Ask someone who does to help you learn how to get it. Use their cred, until they feel you are ready to be edified. When you are ready and you bring a client or potential client around that leader that you have edified, you will be edified…and now you have cred! It’s that simple, but it starts there.
The other way to not be “jive” and gain some cred is to start doing what you know how to do. Then as you learn more, add more. But here is the key; don’t try to be something you aren’t. Find your strengths and walk in those. Once you have been labeled as “jive” it’s very difficult to shake that tag and re-brand yourself. It’s this simple, find someone who is and has what you want or want to be and ask them to mentor you. Even if they might be your competition, they usually will want to help you.
Zodlounge
by admin on March 6, 2009
Tracks, Over-Dubs, Mixing, Mastering, Duplication, Meals, Travel, etc…production can become an overwhelming task to plan for! So how does an Indie artist make a budget for an EP or Full Record? First off, keep it simple and don’t be overwhelmed. It’s takes more time to plan a two-week vacation, than your next record. Second, let’s start where all things SHOULD …your vision.
Don’t skip this step; it’s the most important one. Only a fool starts a project without counting the cost. I know you’re going to get a record deal next week, but let’s say “next week” comes in 5 yrs. What are you going to do in the meantime? It’s easy to talk, but it’s really hard to be discovered if you don’t leave your house! So clarify your vision, goals, and objectives and what you’re willing to give up in order to get where you want to go. Ask yourself this one question: If you were an investor, would you invest your money into “You Inc”…be honest. If you don’t believe in you, no one else will. This means more than people think.
Ok, so how much should you set aside? It all depends on your goals, but let’s just say you’re the typical, beginning indie artist (I know you’re special…but just go with it). You don’t “need” a full 10 or 11 song record. It’s a waste of funds at this point. Find 3-5 really strong songs. If you don’t have your own tunes, then there are other options. For example, at Zodlounge we often co-write with the artist during production. This can be an effective way for producers to partner with the artist to come up with a musical direction that is tailored for the goals/talents of the artist. In addition to your 3-5 song EP (extended play), you might set aside a song for distribution as a free download off your Facebook, Myspace, or Website. We ALL love something for free but think beyond that…it’s legal to share! That’s what you want, people sharing your music!
Ok you’ve got 3-5 killer tunes, now what! How much should an Indie artist set aside for a good production. Trust me, everyone (including their mother) has a “studio”. I am NOT tooting our own horn or dissing your mom, but PLEASE stay away from your “mother’s, brother’s, friend’s” studio!! Unless your relations have some serious production fruit on their tree (like a client list that has established artists as well as Indies), you are wasting the most precious commodity you have as an Indie…your name! Your first impression with anyone is priceless so don’t screw it up! Invest (notice I didn’t say “spend”) a little more for that quality production team; it’s SO worth it.
You’ve got killer tunes and a stellar production team. Now you just need some flow, dough, skrill, moolah, money. Let’s filter one song through a mid-priced cost analysis for now:
|
Service
|
Type
|
A
|
B
|
Media
|
Ave.Total
|
|
Rec/Prod
|
1 song
|
$1500.00
|
$2500.00
|
|
$2000.00
|
|
Mixing
|
1 song
|
$500.00
|
|
|
$500.00
|
|
Mstrng *
|
1 song
|
$200.00
|
|
|
$200.00
|
|
Dupl. (A)**
|
Per Card
|
$.99
|
n/a
|
100
|
$99.00
|
|
Dupl. (B)***
|
Per Disc
|
$1.70
|
n/a
|
100
|
$170.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total A
|
$2,799
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total B
|
$2,870
|
* if track is intended for free download, mastering may not be needed
** using a DRM-free digital business card
*** slim jewel case/full color/two sided insert
This is a very moderate Indie budget from start to product. This price could double easily depending upon the number of duplications, mixing engineer, studio time, and additional outside musicians. But this budget can produce an industry accepted product that is effective and can be marketed to the public at a fair price. Another upside to this Indie budget is if the capitol put in place is self-funded. If self-funded, you get to keep all the profits and re-couping your investment is a very reasonable outcome if you are willing to apply yourself to the business plan.
Lastely, where does the money come from? Here are some practical solutions:
- sell personal items (craigslist, ebay, classifieds, etc)
- save “anyway money” from budget (movies, lattes, etc)…usually $300-500/mo, can be $4-6k in 1 yr
- using your business plan, approach a few investors
(10 @ $500 = $5000 + $5000 from you = 3-4 song EP w/ free download)
- take an extra job or start a side business
- invest your tax refund into your music
- tap into your savings (if you have any left)
- last resort, but still possible if you have a plan, invest in yourself using credit or a
small business loan from a bank or family member.
Now that you have some tools to get the juices flowing, do a little homework and ask a lot of questions. Check out some production companies, ask for referrals, visit and get a hands on feel for who you might be working with…it’s very important. Also, talk to respected people in the business. Just because someone has a shingle on their door doesn’t mean they’re a good dentist or doctor or producer. Fruit, fruit, fruit…be a diligent inspector so that you can grow some too!!
www.zodlounge.com
by admin on March 5, 2009
The two biggest fears people have are the fear of public speaking and the fear of dying. There is a third fear: the fear that you didn’t manage your peak. Everyone peaks. At some point you are at your best. How you manage that time of your life will dictate where you end up in life. The key to managing your peak, don’t be an island. Allow mentors of wisdom to get close to you, they will naturally want to help you manage your peak. We can all think of music stars, sports legends, business icons that crash and burn…don’t let it happen to you, you’re can be wiser than that. I know you think your success or trend will never run out, but even Paul McCartney has had to manage his peaks. Do it well and in your old age they will call you wise, do it poorly and you will be among the many they call fools.
www.zodlounge.com
