For some marketing itself is the main piece of art and the thing they sell is just a commodity installed in that art.
Great point! — Derek

Easy to skim this list, like was just another post on the web to click through with a quick attention span.

Harder to go slowly, point by point, slowly. As for me, I've already agonized over nearly all of it, except—

What am I actually selling? I hope I can stick with this question, periodically, over the next few days.

Damn...that's Deep!

thank you

Yes, an excellent reminder and I think we can each take this approach even further.
Creativity should like to extend and expand, don't settle for the dust within industry: don't sell your soul. (Unless it's a really great bargain somehow)

I was going to make the same point that Sean made in an earlier comment--the key decision is choosing what to sell. A friend and I are putting together a crowdfunding campaign and we made a lot of the choices you mention--until we hit a roadblock. When we analyzed our narrative, it dawned on us that we were "selling" the wrong aspect of the project. It could be we had to go through the process to come to that decision, but it sure took a lot of time!

The post is easy to read and good food for thought.

This is great. It's super universal. I started wearing a suit to work Monday through Thursday because I was curious how my life would change. I guess in this case, I am the art.

Really appreciate this. I've been struggling to get my head around digital aggregation. Majority making recordings sign up and stick them on Spotify etc. I quite like bandcamp, has a kind of punk approach in comparison. However Im not convinced that I want to be conventional and add to all the noise. My current project is a city music trail (spacesgloucester.com) so there's an in built novel way to reach out to people with my music and a good story behind each piece on the trail largely due to the heritage of the city. It has a local focus so I'm wondering about focusing my marketing on realistically scaled creative ideas rather than trying to get people to go to Spotify etc. Still haven't worked it out but your writing is helping. Thanks!

I love this idea that the creative process doesn’t stop at the music. Marketing has always made my toes curl but I think you just changed my perspective, thanks Derek, I look forward to your new book

Great advice, I tend think of it as "resonating", which means if your marketing amplifies your art it makes it so much easier for people to connect. Very timely too as I attempt to launch as an independent, niche instrumental artist.

Great advice, I tend think of it as "resonating", which means if your marketing amplifies your art it makes it so much easier for people to connect. Very timely too as I attempt to launch as an independent, niche instrumental artist.

Yes! Viewing marketing as a creative process really changes the game. I don't know why we've come to view it as a "dirty" part of the process, or worse, "all business." I'm so thankful for this reminder, Derek.

Marketing is indeed a continuation of your individual expression - of how & what you would like people to get from what you are offering. At least it should be, on the true artists scale. Excellent article.

I fully agree about how the visual artwork for a piece of music must REFLECT the music itself. It must either capture the essence of the song or of the mood of the artist.

Great thought and great article, Derek! For over a year, we carefully planned and prepared materials for the marketing of our debut album. My wife and band partner is Chinese so we also released the album (very successfully!) in China… it’s all been an exciting and rewarding challenge, still in progress :)
- Todd and Jingyu

Hi Derek and everyone on this thread.

I like your writing style and font size. :)

I think the hard part is figuring out what you're saying, so that your framing makes sense. In which case -- do artists need a thesis statement for their output? Would it help?

I'm going to answer my own question.

Yes!!

Derek,
I'd love to see some examples when you mentioned on these points.
- Set the tone.
- Decide how you communicate with the world, including why, when, and where.
- Create the story about the song, and yourself.
- Choose what you reveal, what you omit, and what you invent.
- Choose what you’re actually selling.
- Decide how, when, and where you’ll sell it.

Excellent post. Reminds me of a quote that “stories are our most valuable asset”. Stories provide context and create connections that resonate. That’s exactly what can be built beyond the canvas.

Derek,

Great suggestions. I would really love for you to share examples to your bullet points.

Pam
See the Captain T story — Derek

It's saddened me for so long,that artists have been seduced into the feeling of "quasi empowerment" through 'self releasing' their work, aided by the ease and simlpicity of the current distribution models. And yes, all too often artists are then lulled into giving little or no thought to the marketing, in the light of tjeir enthusiasm and desire to get their song 'out there' (wherever that may be!).

That innovative marketing role was previously assumed by labels (sometimes executed brilliantly, and at other times, with little care, flair or imagination, too).

Derek you are spot on. The creativity surrounding every step of the process from conception and prodcution, to marketing and distribution deserves and absolutely requires the very same level of care and inspiration for true traction and connectivity with one's audience to ensue.

Someone clever will be able to articulate an analogy that links the faux marketing of oneself through posting inane 'selfies' as part of a marketing campaign. Far better, maybe, to consider creating alluring, inspired shots, linked to wonderful cover art to intrigue one's audience as part of the process, too?

Yeah, baby! That is some good stuff and very overlooked as part of the process of creating. I read on..

Congrats! This sounds like a fantastic book.
Great title - it's very musical and yummy with all the mmmms. Quick question - would
“A Mindset for Marketing Your Music” - give your title a shot at living higher in the alphabet therefore earlier for people to find?

It's funny, I'm working w/an entrepreneurial artist group right now, and we're examining these types of concepts - how it's easy to put marketing in a shape with a beginning and an end, but why? Isn't part of the joy of being a creative is controlling the information, the path up to it and around and about it? That's what you're suggesting here, and I'm intrigued.

It may be overthinking - but I'm wondering if bringing a question into the post will engage the reader into personalizing your information.

Your ideas are so evocative, visual and you're such a concise communicator that your posts feel like a bullet of information, neatly dispatched. I'm wondering if there's a possibility of opening a window sooner for the reader, for 2 reasons - let us wonder how what you're saying applies to us, and the imagination explore where you're taking us? (let us catch up, in a way) For example, this sentence
Now think of the way you create and release music. - Could it be posed as a question?

or even earlier - Therefore, your art doesn’t end at the edge of the canvas. - as 'Should your art end at the edge of the canvas?'

"Art doesn’t end at the edge of the canvas" ... That's a great thought I like that one. Do you remember that caged bird pic I really liked many years ago. Somehow your new line takes me back to that one so way back so long ago. How the years have flown since I first met you and not in the real world. That bird was escaping the cage. I now realize that bird was me. I have also done some art since then so "Art doesn’t end at the edge of the canvas" is an extra special line.

I’m no musician but 100%.
Every interaction is an opportunity to be creative.
Creativity extends beyond ones specific art.
I was thinking about this today when interviewing a job candidate.
No one says you have to answer questions as asked, but most of us all do.
Turn off the lizard brain, if one is creative and engaged every interaction is an opportunity to express ones self.

Keep up your excellent work! Thsnk you!

When I met Stephen Sondheim, he said, "the show starts when you walk into the theatre". I'd go a few steps further and say that the show starts when you first hear about it.

Great point, Derek.

A few months ago I launched a Kickstarter campaign for one of my upcoming songs - which had not even been recorded at that point - and generated more than $1,000 by 91 backers in 19 days.

Some of them backed with $1, one of them with $140. On average, people paid $12 for a SINGLE song. (Try to do that on iTunes or Bandcamp and get away with it.)

...Or did they?

In reality, people didn't pay $12 for a song.

They paid $12 for a journey, an experience, the behind-the-scenes exclusives, the personalisation in the rewards, the participation in the co-creation of the song of the campaign, the thrill of seeing a creative journey unfold before their eyes.

They paid for context, not just for content.

As you said in the article, the experience around the artistic product is ART ITSELF.

I couldn't agree more. It's more important than ever for artists to know nowadays.

Thanks for the insights, Derek.

Positive energy and love,
// Tommy

Great article Derek! Totally agree. Be a Creator right to the end..

This reminds me of a youtube video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KlNeiY4Rf4

it's not even about artwork, just an ads for someone's used car. But one can argue that the video itself is a masterpiece of marketing, and art..

All good concepts but how do you prevent feeling like a sellout to a phoney persona that you may have to continue to Fred?

Spell check on aisle 9...feed not Fred

One of my favorite quotes is from Andy Warhol:

"Being good in business is the most fascinating kind of art. Making money is art and working is art and good business is the best art."

This quote is emblazoned on the wall in the foyer of his museum in Pittsburgh. It's the largest museum in the USA featuring the work of a single artist. (It reminds me in some ways of the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam - both are worth the visit.)

Warhol got his start in NYC as a commercial illustrator drawing shoes for a catalogue, then went on to almost single-handedly invent a new style of art: Pop Art. He called his studio "The Factory" and many celebs from creative fields hung out there in the 1960s. He managed the band Velvet Underground, and made movies of people sleeping.

Like Van Gogh (who barely earned anything from his art during his lifetime), Warhol was extremely productive, and his paintings now sell for 10's of millions of dollars or more.

Before he died, Andy became one of the richest artists alive in the world. What resonates with me is the insight that the creativity of art should be extended to the business of art. That the business of art IS ALSO the art....I think this is what you are saying Derek, and I tell my students at Berklee this every single day.

I love reading your stuff!

I loved the feather example. The third one takes people on a journey. Art's much better when you follow through on the experience.

Derek, I am not sure I can help at all. Here you are plainly selling......
Marketing is about getting someone to buy of their own free will. For them to buy they need to see a benefit - real or perceived, and this has nothing to do with your purposeful intent. Music purchase is essentially an impulse activity -you have just 15 seconds before the bullshit filter kicks in.

Very intelligent and thought provoking Derek! Art flows from exploration in the dark until a path is formed. Thank you so much Derek!
Very much appreciated😊🌷💃
Rachel!

Great post. I often tell my students to close their eyes and imagine they’re playing their ideal show/venue. Then imagine who is in the audience. Then go find those people.

Thank you, Derek, it's a wonderful way to explain it so a 6-year-old can understand.
Marcus Aurelius Quotes: Everything we see is perspective.

And stay open and creative for the next song, orchestration, production, etc.

Want to also thank you for recommending great books. I don't have much time to read, but I've read Steal Like An Artist, Show Your Work, and The War of Art, all because you recommended them, and they are GREAT! I can go back to them again and again, too. I even bought the Steal Like and Artist Journal. Thanks again for all your work.
Amy

That is what scares me of publishing my work.

When is the "Show Your Work" strategy preferred?

Dammit. You've gone and made me think, now.
(thank you)

I'm an artist in transition. My life collapsed on me and I am struggling to find a new way. This helps to lift up my intention and become the artist again. I'm one of those people who always did everything. I need to let the art be everything it can be. I've witnessed the power of art. It can be awesome. It's been my path before and it was an amazing journey. I admit marketing was never my great skill but I see that it should be part of the art process.
Thanks
Shan

Hi Derek,
Agreed,creativity should not end. I have been one who enjoys/focuses on creativity without any thought of marketing. All your comments seem totally valid......so some serious review and a better shift of a creative total package seems to be needed. Will check out your other artcles.
Many thanks.
ciao
Jimu

Wow. Thanks Dude. Great philosophy. I've been held up by a weird combination of domestic and financial difficulties, but a plan to get back on track and push my music is well under way. Thanks again!!!!!!!

I totally agree! How something is presented does change how I perceive it.

Great stuff per usual. Derek "Why Didn't I Think Of That" Sivers strikes again! You're a subculture super hero. I'm in love with your thought process. Creative Marketing....Whodathought? Thanks friend.

Nailed it, in any art form, there has to be a story.
Super fans buy the artist, not the canvas, CD,
book or song. They want to connect with the story.

Nailed it, in any art form, there has to be a story.
Super fans buy the artist, not the canvas, CD,
book or song. They want to connect with the story.

One way to think about marketing art is to ask yourself, "What does my motivation appear to be to the public?" Art can be thought of as an expression of feeling. So you might ask, "What feeling does the public see when they see and hear my marketing?" Marketing itself can be artistic and meaningful. Most commercials seem humdrum and like they are following a formula -boring and forgettable. You might ask yourself, "How can I make my art and my marketing like a tune from Andrew Lloyd-Webber: unforgettable?"

I think that within each of us is a universal spirit that we can use to communicate meaning to others. I think it is that spirit we need to tap to be successful artists, marketers, teachers, and leaders.

Having witten these general thoughts, it's also great to have your more specific questions!

My pleasure does not come from fame and fortune from Marketing. My pleasure comes from feeling energy from the Universe and closing my eyes and playing music as it comes from my hands to the keyboard while my brain is adjusting the speed and amplitude. It just keeps flowing as I'm working on CD #97 which are sent to CDBaby.

"The Master Mindset For Marketing Music"

Excellent stuff.

Working on a little book and everything here applies to the release of that as well.

Very cool.

I love it. Creativity can and should permeate all we do.

You just gave me the mental jog needed at the moment. Thank you.

I like arts.

The fascination about art is that it arouses feelings. Just like walk into a fruitful forest with fruits of varies combination of tastes, sweet, sour, bitter, etc. And you never know which is the best taste.

Leaving tags on fruits did help sort out preferences, however it might hinder something.

Anyway, As long as the extended doesn't narrow down perspectives and deceive senses of the art, by no means it will be worse.

Anyway, No others knows oneself more than himself/herself! Believe in yourself.

Cheers!

This is where legendary artists like David Bowie exceeded at this. Excellent piece Derek, short, concise and with your permission I'd love to share it with the independent emerging musicians we support through our radio show.
Thank you
David
It's All Good (Radio Show)

Hi Derek Thanks,
I post it on facebook

best regards
Jan

Feedback:
One or more people have asked you for examples for your bullet points.
Don't.
Instead, leave three blank columns. I think coming up with three examples for each bullet is an excellent exercise for the student.

They don't have to be boring down-to-earth examples. An artist might prefer an example that is a catalyst to other thoughts. Maybe an airy-fairy catalyst. Even so, I think the friction of putting a pencil on the page forces you to be real enough to get value from thinking.

Fellow Derek fans: A good exercise for me has been to slow down enough to read other folk's comments. So many people on his site have things to share. (Yes, I noticed when Susan C mentioned my name)

Excellent little article, even as a non-musician but rather a fan of music I found this helpful. And it applies to more than just art

remembering an interview with (artist)
where he says he never seeks an opinion to
a new recording - 'what do you think of it?'

because he will never get an honest response.
everyone will tell him it's great.

if he just says 'here, i just made this', either
he will be told 'it's great' or if not, he just
won't hear anything back at all.

what are your thoughts on getting music to stand
out from the rest, now that music technology is
so accessible and ubiquitous, and the sheer volume
of published material online means that lines are
getting blurred, between 'outstanding', and 'very
proficient-but-not-that-different-from-xyz'? are
the majors even more in control now than ever, with
A&R dictating what's broadcast on the airwaves, or
has nothing really changed that much?

here, you might enjoy this. rare 'great band' emergence:
(check out the the microtonal album too)
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard: Sketches Of Brunswick East
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUzG2Enic6g

I love listening to but don't create music, but value this post because it contains insight for anything I can create and how to present it. I do believe music is your passion. I read your writings to learn from you, I see you as a pioneer in some ways for what you have accomplished. Like John Carmak you want to freely give and help others learn and use from what you have learned. I have trouble communicating the right thing sometimes. Hopefully I can apply some of your learned wisdom to what I am doing and do it better.
Thanks
Eric

i haven't thought about marketing my art but if i do then i'd take this approach. thank you derek.

Nice. Thank you for putting into very simple words what
I have been mulling around with.
How to face this marketing giant.
On your own terms. I like that.
It reaffirms what my gut has been telling me.
Hold my cards close to my chest and I decide how,
When and what to reveal.
Need to create and keep that intrigue.

Great! Maybe add a relevant example of using creativity to market your music once it’s published, a la Ryan Holiday?

Great article Derek, I like the imagery in the opening perspectives and the points arising. Some people seem to have the innate knack of fusing marketing with life as though they have no conflict between art and commerce, it never occurs to them. My head seems to work in images, I have a hard enough job sorting through that for coherence. Great article, it had made me rethink the approaches I've used. Trying new things and learning from them is really important to me for growth. Thanks!

Spot on. There is an excellent article in current issue of Monocle by founder Tyler Brule - similar message - control what you put out there, if you use every medium you may over-state, give away too much. Create some mystique - be in control. Some people believe you have to say everything to everyone - not true. Take back control ☺

Well written, my main man Derek. And happy new year 2u.

Yes. So easy to forget the first word in 'creative execution'! And when I do it usually cuts my heads off from the connection I could have.

Interesting comment about hanging on to 'choose what you're selling' does that need an i.e. or e.g. - not stuff but emotion. The word marketing is a monster myth which sucks up so many projects which might flourish but for fear of it.

Ok Eric....your on spot.

I have a new song I want to send you. Maybe you are the only one that can take the song and run.
This article is great ...but remember you do need a producer and a promotional company.

Marty

I love the first part of creating your art. I know the second part to market it is important, but its not the same feeling its not artistic, its a different world, you change from been an artist to a salesman. Its tiresome. There may have been enthusiasm in the very beginning when you created your first song and waited eagerly to see it sell; but it doesn't and you wonder why? Its a damn good song but nobody takes much notice about it. Then you hear the most unmusical toneless flat vocal and its a hit. It sells and you wonder what the hell is going on. The hell with it. I'll just stick to the art, its spiritual fulfillment. Selling music is for someone who plays guitar and sings like a butchers apprentice, but thank you for the inspiration.

Man! I ran through this list without absorbing.

It might be good to have some examples. It’s easy to skim this and not absorb any of it - but if there was like: set the tone- are you going to be Bob Marley? Or KISS? - I could have an immediate connection on what those words mean.

A while ago, I kept running into an article about a photography project where 5 or so photograhers were given the assignment to photograph the same man but each photograher was told a different story about the man. The photos were very different. While i found that dtory profound i never thought of it from a marketing perspective.
I am in the food business and i get very annoyed with all the stories i read on labels etc that i have always looked at simply as BS marketing ploys. Because thats the way i looked at stories i , ofcouse resisted using them. THANKS so much for helping me see this from a different perdpecrive.

Thank you, Derek. I have been caught up in my writing (not writing) and exhausted at the thought of reaching readers. Your perspective is shifting mine!

Good points. Perhaps using some more examples that are more specific to the topic would give the reader more of a nudge towards incorporating creativity into their marketing.

Looks great. Very helpful.

Hey man,

Very helpful. Actually made me have a few excellent realizations about how I market. What you describe sounds very freeing and gets me excited again about sharing my story. Thank you!

That is always the artistic issue. How does one promote their new stuff. I suck at it.

salcasabianca.com

Great advice, Derek.

As I proceed with my website in support of Indie Bands, I came across a great quote by Michel Vice Maslin...
"If you have a dream for something, everything is possible"

I love that quote...it is 10 words of great inspiration...it's the little engine that could. Just keep moving forward and continue the path because people DO care and want to hear your music. It's worth the effort to make sure that your new potential Fan can find you.

I particularly like the, 'what you reveal, what you omit' point. I think Musicians suffer especially from the pressure of giving away too much of themselves in the name of marketing and selling, puling focus away from their art.

This is so timely. I am not a musician, although music is in my life in big ways. I am struggling with marketing myself and going through a tranistional phase and you spoke to the truth that I am finding in myself - conventional marketing falls flat and doesn’t reveal the part of my soul that connects with others. II will strive to be creative in all that I do. Led by my heart.

Thank you, Derek. I think that some people around me could really use this advice. You ought to spread it more.
Life doesn't just go the way you hope unless you are consistent and follow through, seems ro be an almost central Truth to our culture.

I am at this stage right now with a new collection of songs and this just confirmed my thoughts about my next steps. When you are an indie artist it feels like you're on your own most of the time, tiny fish, huge pond. You do everything from inception to finished product and marketing and promotions - the success of your babies is all up to you - tonnes of pressure. So it's nice to have your voice Derek - always make me feel less alone in all this and either teaches me something vital or confirms what I'm thinking - it boosts my confidence just a little and we all need that right. And some days, like today, it's perfect timing!

AND... thank you for making these bite sized pieces!!! as always THANK YOU!!

Good article. A very clever point of view of art and music and it's relantionship.

Very true, I would think most artists end their thoughts at the release of the album or song instead of lending thought to these other more seductive routes.

I love that this is suggestion that we bring intention to every step of the process even the ones we typically overlook.

I particularly like the provocation about ... "choose what you invent"

Tony the Tiger, "Great" always inspired from something in the information you provide. Thanks

Wonderful metaphor, this helped a lot with helping me plan for my upcoming release and how it's no longer attractive to simply just "put a song out". Thanks for the insight Derek!

Suggestion: I would remind the readers about the caged feather again at the end - it's the creativity that will make the most impact. So leave them with that image in their minds!

Saskia

Boy o' boy, there is so much creative potential lying in wait!

The underlying revelation for me was the blasphemous extent of limitations and discouragements we, and our culture, put upon ourselves.

Even artists need permission (and encouragement) to fully embrace the "doesn't end at the edge" philosophy.

As the great, late Terrence McKenna said, "Culture is not your friend. Create your own roadshow."

Good stuff! Thanks, Derek!

Brent

Hello Derek, I want to thank infinitely every word you share, it has been very useful to me. I already made my website with a "now" section and I read every new article that you publish, besides, I constantly share your website with my musician friends. I really appreciate everything you share with us. Thank you.
My website yetcop.com

It would be nice to link to the Captain T post at the end of the article for the reader to see an example of making the additional artistic decisions.

Totally agree, unfortunately the marketing has not been one of my strengths.

This article is so USA/Show me the money. For the majority of our world within the small division that can or cares to see; Art is more then a name on a wall. Art is a voice which shares it's touch with the universe. Hanging a feather on the wall does not make it art regardless of what words offer to describe it. Just call me a Poet who dares to see lost upon the ocean of blind men called: usa.

I wonder if Leonardo created the Mona Lisa for the market?

So true... but so few people focus on it and see the whole process as their art. :) Thank you Derek for that perspective. *Thumbsup*

The details in this information are amazing! Thank you, Derek for the time and energy used to present this to us.

I think your absolutely right. We I came out with my cd almost 20 years ago I marketed myself like I was a star already and It makes everyone intrigued wanting to hear it. I had marketing experience. Most musicians don’t. If you can write about how they go about reaching the audience they want to reach. It would help them greatly. We didn’t have you tube then which has good vein unknown artists so much more exposure world wide. Good luck with your book

I find that the 'creative'ness comes and goes. We have an awesome idea, build a website, upload photos, pour our energy into something and then when it goes live or out there into the world we have an expectation. We want our art validated somehow. Whether it be with monetary gain, critical acclaim, etc. I think you have an article titled 'if it's not a hit, switch'. I think that we have to be very flexible in the creative world and find what it is that first pleases us as artists. Then when we put it out there and someone likes it and comments on it then this is like a bonus.

Not many realize how much power they have at the point of deployment - and compared to even ten years ago, the options are exploding for following your list with surprising results.

Hi Derek

Love the feather opener. Wondering whether there's a way of making the dot points feel more actionable, and simpler to get done. Here's some ideas. It's all very subtle...

Set a tone
Create a story
Decide how to communicate...
Chose what to sell

Look forward to reading the other posts.
T

Very well done. Can be applied to sales as well as the arts.

It took me until a little while after reading to really grasp the depth of the idea which made me smile nod my head in appreciation while walking home. I expect this is clever use of imagery which was multi-faceted. Keep them coming, Keep us thinking. Cheers!

This makes me think of an old proverb in China: 天时、地利、人和，三者不得，虽胜有殃

Plenty there to think about the whole process

I feel like the older I get, the more tired I get of this part of the business. I really did have a good run there of feeling like this part is another extension of my creativity. But these days I have to be honest and say it just feels like a drag-and a part of the process that has shown itself (so far) to be a whole lot of time and creative energy for very little results. Who knows-I imagine it is cyclical (like everything), and as I type this I got that image of the person planting a garden and the carrot growing deep into the ground while the gardener has still not seen any sign of growth on the surface.

I remember the first time I ordered a cd from CD Baby. I was so tickled at the humour and told others about it. I smiled, I laughed. It was great!
I agree that "Art doesn't end at the end of the canvas" - and, I think sometimes, we have to bust the frame! That's what CD Baby did. And, I think thats what you are saying here.
What the article said to me is that we must take the reigns of how we are showing up in the world... to not be afraid to express ourselves in all manners of a project... to think about what feeling we want to share/express that others will receive during the transaction. (CD Baby = humourous but also efficient and professional)
That 'big inde picture' seems like a pretty powerful beginning of art.
Thank you, Derek!

I think the hardest part to understand is how the recording is now that feather which depending on where it's placed will give the listener it's context. Is it a political statement or a child in Florida or inside that tunnel. A moment has been captured, frozen in time & turned into a product that needs packaging - what colours are you going to use, which font will reflect the mood of the product best because it's no longer about feelings & sounds your product is now an object that says: hi, this is who I am & this is what I want you to know about me.

Perhaps the history & interesting journey of Leonard Cohen's song Hallelujah written in 1981 says it all from being considered impossible to market to reaching an unexpected mass market via Rufus Wainrights version in Shrek

https://www.buzzfeed.com/karlstevens/things-you-might-not-know-about-hallejujah?utm_term=.cg6d6a5Y0#.lcnBRqaQZ

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/exclusive-book-excerpt-leonard-cohen-writes-hallelujah-in-the-holy-or-the-broken-20121203

Never assume anything

Derek hi!

Agree 100%. In a way this also applies to life in a sense like we've come this far in life and the effort or lack thereof, still counts as much as the set-up to this moment.

Thanks for sharing! Please keep letting me know when you release new material - always a treat :D

Unrelated, I've started reading 'A guide to the good life' - golden so far!

Hello Derek !
This is SO timely. At 71 I am trying to come into my own with my music. One of my greatest failings in life was to not take up on my mother's wish for me to learn music and how to play music. We had an upright piano in our living room and on summer nights Mom would play with the double front doors of our farmhouse open and people could hear the music for hundreds of yards away. I was too busy playing outside in nature to be bothered with the drudgery of "studying music". How big a mistake ! Now, as a 50 year long harmonica player I still can't read music. I play well by ear but cannot read music.
With my involvement with the Susquehanna Folk Music Society ( SFMS.org and Common Ground on the Hill Music school in Westminster MD ( McDaniel College ) Commongroundonthehill.com years ago I met Adam Ezra Olshansky, then a HS senior in my harmonica class. Adam's mother was an instructor there. Along with my instructor in harmonica class Walter Liniger taught me to bend notes and the world's best autoharp player Bryan Bowers (Bryanbowers.org )taught me the rudiments of playing the autoharp. Well I could never grasp the hand coordination required for guitar, dulcimer, banjo, and autoharp playing but I have become fairly proficient with most of my 104 harmonicas !
Well Adam has become quite successful as a solo artist,and the band leader of the Adam Ezra Group up in Boston. Please take a listen to his music on www.adamezra.com. I think you will enjoy his music.
Your thoughts within are splendid, apropos, and relevant to me personally. As a successful photographer, writer, and yes - a published poet, one of my bucket list goals is to write and publish a song or two. I'm working on two presently even though I am thwarted by my music writing limitatons.
So my main point in summary is that we need to support music education in our public schools, encourage all we meet to help their children to investigate music playing. When I'm out playing with various groups I have given away numerous cheap harmonicas to kids who have shown an interest in my playing. I'm a struggling musician but do not struggle at all with encouraging our youth to PLAY SOME INSTRUMENT ! We need to SELL exposure to music education more than SONGS !

My two main thoughts for my first two songs are:
"It's hard to lose a love when your heart's so full of hope - but it's worse to lose your towel when your eyes are full of soap !" This came to me by a female friend when I had my first love crush dumping by her friend
( in 1962 !). I've never forgotten that moment. It has been one of my favorite lines for many years.

Second:
The old time honored statement on a vacationer's postcard "Having fun. Wish you were here" doesn't have the meaning of the gist of my second song "Having a wonderful wish - it's time you were here".

Keep up the great work. I'm going to share your site with my music friends.All is well in central Pennsylvania.

You know Derek... i don't think there will ever be someone like you for the industry...

True tgere are tons of mentors and makers and movers and shakers out there... but they really just market themselves in some form or another.

If you are doing the same, i've become blind to it because absolutely every blog - every word - resonates with me...

That is a blunt and beautiful truth too few people project in a world so simulated by fabrication.

Thank you...

As it stands i'm still miles away from any form of "fame" as such...

But the learning i have obtained since meeting you have reignited my passion for musuc to the point that i'm truly doing it because i love it... my unconditional relationship with the universe... and that is thanks to you my friend.

You are truly appreciated and revered high above most if not all.

K8ndest regards and thank you yet again.

Michael.

I am slightly dismayed that reading this was an "ah-hah" moment for me. I should have thought in these terms years and years ago. Thanks for the fresh perspective, Derek.

Gr8 tips for artists (Indie/Major) to consider and apply going into this new year Derek.

Hi Derek,

What you mentioned is so true! When I published my first music album in 2006, I spent quite some time to decide what basic color and picture for my CD and website page, and even debate between Time New Roman and other style of English writings on the page... Even more important factor I want to point out is that your CD baby offered me friendly & wonderful support at the best timing possible in the early Era of digital distribution. You should be proud of helping lots of "feathers" flying high in the music world. Cheers! Gong Qian

That’s funny man I’ve been thinking about you. The guy that help me survive, the guy that saved my life, during one of the hardest times I’ve ever experienced. Yeah I’ll buy the book. Marketing and Art, that’s a very hard topic to drive into. Where does money meet Art?

Perception is everything! I think any field that allows you to create something or come up with a new idea should be considered an art. I definitely agree with Michael B.
George Moorey's project sounds awesome, I really liked his trailers on Youtube....I would go to something like that if it was in my town!

Thanks, this to me, feel like you looked inside my journey to music. Well said Derek.

Yes! this reminds me of music by one of my favourite musicians - John Butler. Every year he releases a new version of a classic song he wrote years ago called "Ocean". It's something we as his fans always look forward to because it is a piece that is evolving and growing with his experiences. At the same time, these new songs still contain the essence and fragrance of the original track.

I think if we are creative and "market" to the humanness of our audiences, then it shows. What I mean is, markets without sounding like you're constantly pitching yourself. Be real in your marketing as well as your music.

shared. good food for thought.

Derek,

This is right on and so true. I think a lot of this is the 'business' of music business that artists shy away from, don't understand and/or simply don't want to do. They think the message is in the art and that's all they need - which isn't true as you write.

I'm really finding this to be true as I compose and work to enter the film/tv soundtrack industry. If you don't understand your own work, what the it's about, how it fits and present it with those artist aspects, themes and target your focus on what you're looking for, you will never get anywhere.

There is now, almost too much information on how independent artists and musicians can market, promote and distribute their music. I say that, because all those sources give you a bit different information on why/how you should go about it. So, it's very confusing, can take a lot of time, money spent and going into it, you don't really know if it's the right way, if it will be effective, how to measure it in the long run, etc.

I think this give additional pause and artists struggle and throw-up there hands and say just get it out there. But, to your point - they can tell their story, continue and extend their artistic vision into the package of putting themselves as well as their music out there regardless of the next step of how and what to do with it from a distribution and publication point of view.

Agree. Not to stop just because this song is finished. Always a new horizon keep aiming.

The fact that the music has never left you makes me smile!

Thanks for these insights, Derek. I know a good story always attracts people. I just need to apply this more to my own writing.

And I, too, remember buying my first CD from CD Baby and being so delighted to read the humerous message that was enclosed with it. It made a lasting impression on me, still vivid after all these years.

Thanks again. ☺

Thanks Derek! It's a great point you make here. We often throw the art over the proverbial fence and wait for it to boom or bust as if it were all fate or magic. I've been guilty of that myself. The "if you record it they will come" syndrome. People give their attention to us and are often willing to try out something new, but often don't "convert" because we don't engage them with the context of our lives. The "off canvas" parts are often just as important as what is on the canvas. Never too late to learn, but definitely didn't know this when I started out.

As usual, superb. I couldn't improve on it in any way.

Appreciate your idea! Creating is a beautiful thing in the world, especially in art.

Thanks Derek!
I have a new art project and this helped a lot.

Has you know Derek but you maybe has forgotten by 2 of my biggest love(I use love lossly but still the same) are Coincidences & a Especially Serendipity.
This One Rings so true for me...I have a song that I wrote about someone I lost/Sucide for years it was just words on a page fastfoward to 2015 my friend Cian embarked on a Song a Mth for that year all come October/September I said to him hey I have this song that I haven't been able to do anything with.i gave to him and he breathed life into my words.....our Musical tatste differ somewhat he's more 80's rock i'm more Mid Westeren/Indie Folk....anyway now on the back off that song I've started a video and have rearranged it to more acoustic and the difference is like night & Day... so in afew weeks I will be relaeing it and some of the money made will be going thourthgs Sucide Prevention....of the back that the Muaic Group I set up on FB The Nightowl Playlist are putting on A Sucide Prevention Charity Concert the 28th of Oct 2018....so yea this is where my Conversation with a friend back in 95 with the death of someone he truly loved has broutht me here to day

Derek, thank you for sharing!

Extremely insightful! I feel your idea can be extrapolated into all things.

The art I create is coaching/mentoring my college athletes. Too many people in my field talk about “ the process”, “buying in” and spouting out motivational lines they have heard from movies, books, and classic motivational speeches. But, in my opinion they lose the impactful of the original “art” if they don’t know the context of the original “art”. Your post reminds me of the importance to focus on every detail. The messenger must live the ideals they speak of. They must focus on the timing and delivery of their message. We must refleect on the thousands of decisions we have that will impact the perception of our “art”. Thank you!

Inspiring words, fliying in an open space.

I like your work evolution.

Cheers

I completely agree and more and more this is important. I am learning that the path we leave is stronger than we think and this applies to everything in life and professionally.

This is why I still believe in the power of liner notes for an album, even in this era of digital music. It's where I can tell a story about each song: the inspiration, what it means to me, the musicians who played on the track. As a songwriter/musician, I always enjoy learning more about the song and the artist who channeled it. It's a deeper look into the mystery of songwriting and life.

So So true and sometimes I fall short in this area of keeping that brush flowing in creating the story of the new cd/album release. What you say is so true and again I thank you for sharing with us all. I thank you for stirring up the steps once again for as the artist/musician we can forget to change the hat for each part of the business when you do not have the funds to pay someone to take care of the other steps/jobs required for the success of the new album you are releasing.

This where a lot of artists fall down and it echoes what I always say to other artists when they ask what they should be doing or they moan about having to do more than write a song.

I always say be like David Bowie. Not in the sense of how or what you create, he was after all pretty genius at creating and recreating himself. The element I try to put across is that David Bowie was interested and involved in every aspect of what he did. Sure he wrote a lot songs that they will still be playing a hundred years from now, but more than that he created the personas around each incarnation, he created the art and the visual feel of it, he got involved with the videos and the visuals, he was one of the first artists to embrace the internet where he had his online subscription members club for exclusive content and access to what he was doing.

If you're an musician and as such a creative person, you should want to be involved in the whole process. Either that or you'll have to find someone else to do it for you, which will cost you money.

As a DIY songwriter, I work on all aspects of the creativity and management of my music, including, recording and mixing, photography, video creation and editing, gig booking, PR sheets, social media, artwork, even what the band wears and anything else that's needed. Some of it can be a drag at times, particularly the Social Media, but getting music out there, at the root, has always been a business and nowadays there's not the level of label availability or involvement to do that for you. Sadly, it's also about money, artists should consider spending money on good PR in the same way you would pay each week to rehearse, in fact I would say only pay to rehearse when you've got something to aim for, before that use the money to help record and promote.

Having said all this, it is of course part of the process of separating the wheat from the chaff... you ultimately are more likely to get something out the more you put in - If you don't you fall by the wayside - dependent on talent of course :)

Marketing has always been the toughest thing for me. I have no idea how to do it because I have no idea what people are into from month to month....It varies. That's why I've always left my marketing up to a publicity agent who knows how to do that stuff.

This is a good little article, Derek. It made me think about a few things I had forgotten about. Love the "feather" example. You're right....People perceive things differently, depending on what's behind it. Almost forgot that one.

Greg would have agreed with you. So many responses on Greg's birthday

This was very insightful Derik , and I agree totally
Thanks for keeping me in the loop
Diane

Derek~
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the marketing decisions for an artist or really anyone. I have several friends who will be inspired by your process and encouragement.

Be well~
Lauren

I have noticed that most disappointments result from unrealistic and/or unstated expectations. Your list of questions helps prevent this sadness. If only one were mindful of all undertakings, more outcomes would be satisfying.

The way you present your art, and what people know about it, completely changes how they perceive it.

Suggestions- The above line prefacing the feather section.

At end of feather section equate art to music before where the think about your music is exp "Your music is your canvas. Now think...

In the "set the tone" section examples at end of bullets

Just thoughts while reading.

The biggest thing I see is that many musicians still seem to be about selling the plastic and the package and not the music itself. The music itself is the life, the story, the path of the intent itself.

I like it!

So far so good. I'm in agreement here.

As always, deep & well spoken Derek.
i'm driven by an urgency to execute all the ideas in my head. (Often difficult to explain-easier to show- example: https://crowstorm.threadless.com/designs/asl-octobet-3 I f i don't create these things, no one else will and the marketing is eclipsed by producing the artwork. i need to break that pattern- one dream funding the next would make life infinitely easier. Know your thoughts are appreciated/ valued!
j

I love the way the image of the caged feather isn't just a random example. Each variation is a direct metaphor for the various ways artists are feathers in the marketing cage.

The imagery and the technical advice tie together full-circle, especially with the outrageously clever bonus of the Captain T Story. I don't always scroll down thru comments, so I'm glad I happened to and found Pam's with your direction to the link.

For me the chance of remembering a point an author is making goes up dramatically when they tell a story and/ or paint a mental picture in my mind - you do that so well. Simple, easy to read, bite sized wisdom crackers. Wouldn't change anything ;-)

I wish I could offer some advice, but this is excellent. I would not change anything. I wish I could write this well.

I like this very creative approach to "marketing" (reaching out to others)
I have been in an indecision mode for 7 months reviewing my last 22 albums
to see where to go next, or not. What moved me in the end is just communicating my feelings to other musicians.

Great advice.

Great line of wisdom - "Marketing is the final extension of your art." Beauty!

Excellent

Very insightful, Derek. As you well know, the musician of 2018 wears so many different hats our heads sometimes reel from the weight!
I appreciate how you succinctly broke things into understandable AND useful bullet points.

Very B.(u)Eno!

This piece makes me wonder whether one's art ever truly has an end to its evolution. On the one hand, the artist loses control over its direction when it goes out into the virtual ether. On the other hand, the work may continue to reverberate and continue to inspire other. In that sense, it continues to be an extension of the artist.

This potentiality seems to always exist in the digital age of archives and limitless storage where virtually anything can be retrieved. From one vantage point, marketing can be seen as the means by which one attempts to make that happen: to spark engagement so the art can be transmitted.

Interesting to see how these comments echo with one of the most influential treatise on 20th century art: http://courses.ischool.utexas.edu/kimsmith/2007/Fall/INF385H/Duchamp_CreativeAct.pdf

As always, genius, and I agree, but by the time you've written, produced, played on the CD, maybe had a hand in the art, it is time, if you can afford it to bring in the talents and knowledge of a marketing person / persons as that is a science in itself. The whole process is a collaborative one, you can do it yourself, but it's nice to hand it over and get back to writing new material !
Sometimes it is good to have a label behind you

This is a good reminder for me. How is the book coming along? Sorry it so long. I suffered a stroke on 29 May 2018 while at the VA hospital on another matter. Was discharged on 4 June 2018 and am on the mend. Brain still trying to sort out my fuzzy eyesight. I can walk and talk, but not drive my car, as yet.

Reminds me of the concept of "the whole product" which is "everything required to assure that the target customers can fulfill their compelling reason to buy," (Geoffrey Moore, Crossing the Chasm: Marketing and Selling Technology Products to Mainstream Customers).

For me what you saying so on point its been in my head for years and all artists need to hear it - marketing is part of the creative process just as much as the time spent writing the songs, recording, mixing and mastering them but so many musicians want to leave the marketing to someone else.

I think that artists who want to succeed in this new work order now are the ones that are totally in. the whole process after all engaging with your fan base is a after all marketing don't minimize it or make it the job of someone else - as Taylor Swift aged 14 was told 'to truly succeed she needed to personally met 500,000 people and make a lasting impression them" something she is still doing to this day whatever you think fo her music.

I struggle with the squishy space between wanting to share my music and not wanting to be a "look at me" sorta person.

Marketing. Finding the market for the thing.