At BFM, we are selective about the content that we represent. We have no automatic signup. You can't just pay $35 and get your album sent out to the world. Our policy reflects an intentional commitment to represent quality content. In essence we fulfill the traditional role of an A&R department. However, we have no exact criteria to determine just what albums, labels and artists that we chose to represent. It is an arbitrary and, usually, an instinctive decision.
One of the most important criteria, especially when it comes to "artists on the verge" (credit for this phrase goes to New Music Seminar), is how much does the artist do for themselves. Any conversation with an AOV usually includes the promise: "BFM will work as hard as you do."
Unfortunately, not very many artists work that hard. They may want success and stardom. But they don't treat their careers with the same amount of effort that they do their album cover designs (another credit goes out to Derek Silvers for this turn of the phrase).
BFM's job is not merely to get your music to the digital music services. We're here to help tell your story, whatever that story is. But if we don't know what that story is, we can't be of much help.
It doesn't take much to help an album rise above the over-polluted, crowded digital highway. A spin by a local DJ, a cool gig, a placement in a TV show, a positive review, etc. But your distributor needs to hear about these things.
Plain and simple advice: send out a newsletter/PR at least once a month with some update on your band, album, label, etc. This doesn't have to be a paid press release. Just assemble a working email list and definitely include your distributor on it. Keep it simple and try to find something interesting each month to write about. If you have trouble doing so, then you may want to take a look at what you are doing with your band and step up your activity (e.g., more gigs, more videos, more recordings, etc.).
This may seem like a lot to ask. But with 500 labels in our catalog, I can easily use all of my fingers and toes (with some left over) to count the regular announcements that we receive from them. If your distributor doesn't know what's going on with your band, how will the services?
It is exciting to me that here is a new way to market and promote ones music without the corporate giant record labels, who take everything anyway. Everyday I am learning new ways to get my music out there. The paradigm is shifting or it has shifted and it's a brave new world.
Posted by: Andrew | February 03, 2011 at 09:54 PM
Well, I admit that I'm looking for one of those free passes to the New Music Seminar... but I'll second your thoughts about how to really make it work as an indie artist. I've been gigging nonstop for 12 years (sold about 80,000 CDs), I've held several special events (retreats in national parks, songwriting workshops, webcasts, that sort of thing), send out a newsletter and updates to many thousands of people at least once a month, and I find that there's literally no shortcut to succeeding independently. It's a ton of work, the work is never-ending, and nothing's ever certain. No big 'discovery' moment, no huge media breakthrough, and no magical 'leg up'. Definitely a specific kind of lifestyle choice! But the payoff... well, to quote a teenager at a gig of mine recently, "I'm living the dream!" Guess I am. Sure feels good.
PS To new visitors -- Steve Corn and BFM are the real deal. Highly recommended. Go ahead and sign on the dotted line.
Posted by: Daniel Nahmod | February 03, 2011 at 09:55 PM
So you mean that my constant calling you and your staff and asking questions and wanting my Emusic site fix is a GOOD THING? You don't HATE ME?
Steven/37 Records PS..yes I want to go!
Posted by: Steven McClintock | February 03, 2011 at 10:15 PM
There are a lot of new artists that pump out singles and videos on youtube every week. It's a slow build of subscribers and pointing them to their online itunes store. This is the model I am starting to use. Blogging, social networking is all great but giving your fans new material weekly can really keep your fan base interested. look at jesse J's bedroom videos on yourtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TswOLHUQFPk&feature=channel
Posted by: Bill Bergman | February 03, 2011 at 10:19 PM
I love Jesse J. she is probably the best new singer I have heard in years. Check out Taylor Ward. he is one of these new artists who is pumping out videos every week. The new model is not front loaded with wasteful cash advances and huge studio budgets, keep the overhead low and spend your time networking like crazy. Of course it helps if the music is great, LOL.
By the way, I want a ticket to the new music seminar too, thanks
Posted by: Andrew Kastner | February 03, 2011 at 10:22 PM
I am perplexed by NPR playing old rock and seemly ignoring new artists.
Shows with names 'World Cafe ' that do Not Play Any world music! I hope this will be addressed at the New Music Seminar.
Don't get me wrong I love old school music, but I want to hear new stuff
when I turn on my radio. I hear more interesting artists on the BBC internet radio!
I got give props to indabamusic.com
and Soundcloud.com
peace,
Dave Gilden / Ft. Worth, Tx
youtube: http://bit.ly/9pCCx7
Current indabamusic.com Remix Contest(s)
Sex and Candy Electric Lady
http://bit.ly/eHSSin
John Legend & The Roots
http://bit.ly/hpHRIc
CD Releases (iTunes / Magantune):
http://www.coraconnection.com/pages/ancestral.html
Posted by: Dave Gilden | February 03, 2011 at 11:06 PM
Having a selective distributor… What does that mean in the DIY era of music? Well to The Rocturnals it means having a distributor that actually listen to our music and believe that our music is worthy of representing.
I was just talking about communication, communication, and communication with one of the band members. Since becoming a new BFM Digital artist, we have been in constant communication with their PR and marketing team- even requesting an office visit so that I was certain we were on the same page in this exciting new album venture. To see my distributors genuine interest in our music truly motivated me more to put in work... This DIY era of music is both a blessing and a curse, so I couldn't be more pleased to be represented by a proactive distributor.
Our distributor worked with us on a strategy and we listened to their suggestions and insight. The Rocturnals are taking DIY to another level claiming 2011 the year of the Roc! With our album The Life released on January 11th 2011 we have not stopped working on creating the buzz. Thus far this year (mind you it’s only been a month) we are reaching out to radio, shooting our 1st video February 12th and 13th in Vegas, and scheduled to perform at an NBA all star party benefiting Lupus in L.A. on February 19th. There is no buzz like a free buzz so we are also taking advantage of all the social media networks… I am certain you will be hearing from us and about us as a result of our diligent faith, work ethic, and belief in our music.
Band: The Rocturnals
Album: The Life
The Rocturnals The Life Album Snippets Now on Amazon.com
Album Release Date 01.11.11
Available on: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-life/id411649589
Genre: Urban Rock
Band Buzz: http://www.hitsdailydouble.com/news/newsPage.cgi?news08227
http://nine5four.net/mag/rock-artists/the-rocturnals.html?font-size=larger
Press Release:
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/1/prweb8056275.htm
http://www.therocturnals.com/epk/rocepk.html
Posted by: Chantal Grayson | February 04, 2011 at 12:48 AM
I agree with putting out a newsletter each month to keep people in the loop of your band. Also its key for each band to realize its not about the distributor but what can you do to get your music out there. You have to be inventive.Just putting your music up on the internet is not the ticket. I think live video will be the way.
Posted by: Davincimusic | February 04, 2011 at 01:25 AM
I am new to the music business, having just started to assist a successful songwriter/producer. What i take from this article is that it is super important to establish an identity as an artist. One that you are confident in, but that isn't just a front for what you think others will be attracted to. Essentially, for you to be successful, you have to be you. If a DJ, or a Radio Host, or a manager/producer sees how comfortable you are in your own skin, then you've gained a fan. That confidence and "realness" will seep into your music, giving you that authenticity that is so important.
With the evolution of the internet, it is so easy to get lost in the mix of social networks and online music sharing platforms. Although blogging is a great way to get exposure, its not targeted enough to track who your music reaches. I do love the idea of a monthly newsletter for those in a bands inner or even outer circle, just to keep people up to date in a personalized way. I think it would be effective. Having said that... id love to go to the New Music Seminar!
Posted by: Noah | February 04, 2011 at 10:21 AM
As a brick and mortar recording artist since 1987, I welcome this new world of online markets. I've been able to reach more people than ever before. And yes, it's a ton of work, some less creative than others, but the pot is so much sweeter. BFM has been a wonderful asset to my creative outlets. They actually participate in activities like Midem and the NM Seminar, and many others. We all win.
--d
Posted by: David Arkenstone | February 04, 2011 at 10:45 AM
I'm the business guy that deals with the artists from our label. You nailed it. Sure its about the music, but if the artist isn't promoting, merchandising, emailing, gigging, sending emails, newsletters ALL THE TIME, they might as well put their latest MP3 in a bottle and chuck it off the Santa Monica pier for all the action they're going to get on line. The Internet is a tough, crowded market place so it takes real commitment between the artist and the distributor to make this work. Count me in on Wednesday for the NMS.
Posted by: jim birch | February 04, 2011 at 11:05 AM
The internet and the independent digital distributors has made it possible for independent artist to truly have a voice and a real shot at not only a hit record, but the ability to get that record to millions of people instantly. Before, the industry was controlled by "Non-Musical" A&R's, Radio Stations that you had to "Pay for Play" and Retail Record Outlets that you had to "Pay For Place" so the really good artist had to conform or you get no shot. With the emergence of the internet's reachability great companies like BFM Digital along with a few others truly gives the Artist real voices and the consumer real choices.
The artist that want to be successful just have to do what the record industry was originally built on "Networking", Going to all of the DJ's (Up and Coming, Established, Retired they all can give you either direction or put you on), Internet Radio (There are tons of them, it's about going to each and working the record), College (finding out who's who and networking with them)for shows, sometimes you have to do a free show to get three paid ones.
What have you done for you lately? Is a perfect question to those waiting on it to happen instead of making it happen. "In this business, you don't get what you're worth, you get what you earn!" -The Rocturnals-
So with that being said :) back to work... Newsletter and Press Release will be out Monday! The Rocturnals "The Life" Available Now! iTunes, Amazon, Emusic and anywhere else I can't think of...http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-life/id411649589
Posted by: The Rocturnals | February 04, 2011 at 11:15 AM
by the way, we would love to go to the NMS to hopefully further enhance our visibility and link with the people that really and truly making happen Please! :)
Posted by: The Rocturnals | February 04, 2011 at 01:02 PM