Markis Hernandez’s Reviews > From Art to Commerce: A Workbook for Independent Musicians > Status Update
Markis Hernandez
is 95% done
The back end of the book feels like a vomiting of final thoughts and ideas around playing shows in general. There is some sound advice in there, like being clear about what the deal is between me and the venue and getting it all in writing. There is even a pro tip on unwrapping your CDs for your fans so you can sign them faster and just sign "thanks" on them if you're pressed for time. The house concert info was good
— Mar 21, 2023 01:35PM
Like flag
Markis’s Previous Updates
Markis Hernandez
is 88% done
Stage presence! A great tip is to speak more slowly than you would. This keeps you from tripping over yourself verbally and makes you sound more confident. Being comfortable on stage is important to convey to the audience, as it makes them more comfortable. Regarding booking, you want to book 3 months in advance on average and keep the emails concise. Get to the point of the email. Be sure everyone's happy w the show
— Oct 12, 2022 09:04AM
Markis Hernandez
is 84% done
Discussed how to get radio promotion. Mainly just looking up radio shows that would play your type of music and hitting them up. Also, be sure to send emails out at appropriate timing if you are touring.
They also stressed the ongoing importance of social media. Posting regularly and finding your voice online that fits your branding will be the best way to maintain engagement and build an online following
— May 09, 2022 09:04PM
They also stressed the ongoing importance of social media. Posting regularly and finding your voice online that fits your branding will be the best way to maintain engagement and build an online following
Markis Hernandez
is 79% done
Went over what public relations and publicity are and do for an artist. PR deals with how the public views, engages, and interacts w you and your brand while trying to grow that awareness, while publicity is the result of that work. A publicist's job is to keep pushing your brand and music to keep that public awareness growing via campaigns based on what the artist is currently doing. A press release is a must to do.
— May 05, 2022 12:06PM
Markis Hernandez
is 72% done
Went over the importance of community building before trying to talk to the press about your music or event. Though it may be difficult at first, building that starting following will be the key to getting more attention by the media. The book also went over proper emailing protocol so that you don't annoy anyone unintentionally. They also reminded the reader to make sure all press releases point back to the website
— May 04, 2022 12:52PM
Markis Hernandez
is 67% done
Went thru the different aspects and overall importance of having a website. This info does not feel dated even for it being written in 2014. Some key takeaways are: Have a nice easy-to-navigate main page, Have music easily able to listen to, make sure you have a newsletter and make it easy for people to join, have some consistent content going on even if its via social media that points back to your site.
— Apr 21, 2022 07:53PM
Markis Hernandez
is 61% done
I read up on different forms of distribution methods and their pro's and con's The CD sales stuff I think is dated currently for our time as CD sales have certainly plummeted over the years. Online distribution is where its at for sure. I started getting into the marketing chapter and there was certainly a lot of relevant info in there. They stressed the importance of leading ppl back to your site to encourage sales.
— Apr 14, 2022 12:37PM
Markis Hernandez
is 53% done
They go into other aspects of a record label, including deals they offer artists. One deal called the 360 deal makes it so the label gets a piece of everything you do, including touring and merch, which is grossly unfair. I have come to think of a label as a loan company whose APR for you is your future livelihood off your art. They go into CD production but that's a dead option for artists honestly.
— Feb 11, 2022 12:18PM
Markis Hernandez
is 37% done
The key takeaways here are to make sure that you are working with people you feel comfortable with, especially the producer and the engineer. It's also important to document the recording process and its good content to have after the fact. Also, be thorough about all the info, including names, instruments played, what tracks they played on etc.
— Feb 08, 2022 09:00PM
Markis Hernandez
is 33% done
Went over what a publisher does and how a good one will plug your music into as many places as possible to maximize the royalty amount you will receive. There are also ppl called "pluggers" that work independently from publishers in that their sole goal is getting your signs "plugged" into as many places as possible for a prenegotiated fee. Copyrighting your music helps w future legal issues via library of congress
— Feb 07, 2022 11:56AM
Markis Hernandez
is 27% done
I learned about sound exchange and how they deal with digital royalties as opposed to live ones like BMI. I've already started to sign up with them. SESAC is also for-profit, but may also cater to indie artists better so they are worth looking into as well.
— Feb 04, 2022 12:23PM
