Bob “the buzz Factor” Baker has done it again. First of all he is diversifying his audience. He is the Godfather of Music marketing, and now is taking the success he has experienced in books and teaching other authors how to be successful with his new book “55 Ways to Promote Your Book on the Internet.” I know what you’re thinking, “But I’m a musician – not an author.” We can learn how to market our music by seeing how he launched his book.

He let people buy it before it was printed. You got one chapter at a time and were encouraged to read it and supply feedback. (so you get to better the book before its even printed).

You got you put YOUR NAME in his book. (making it a very special circumstance, and for me a chance to get my URL in a Bob Baker book).

You get a signed copy of the physical book when it came out. Making it a one of a kind opportunity.

In total “Bob” fashion he then through in a surprise bonus CD to listen to. This is good old fashioned “under-promise and over deliver.”

APPLY THIS TO MUSIC.

Bob sent out chapters ahead of time foe feed back. Why sell a CD up front, and then send out songs in advance. Get feedback on the first 15. Use the top 10, and let the early adopters keep 5 unreleased songs?

You could have sponsors for each song. Then list their name on the liners notes. Something like ” 1. Wishing Well written by Dave Jackson – sponsored by Bob Baker.”

By selling the CD up front you can raise money to record the CD. Then you have a few copies generated for the early adopters and start gigging. Sell a few at shows and now you’ve got money to do a mass production (or just use kunaki.com )

SPONSORS

This show originates at www.musicianscooler.com and is sponsored by Budget Rental Car. Budget.com/musician saves 30% on weekly rental or $10 off any time rental. Godaddy.com where you can get a .com domain name for $7.49 using the coupon code cooler10. Need some great clothes for the stage? Check out www.stageclothes.net becuase they see you before they hear you. And you should buy Dave’s Book “Get your band out of the basment and keep them out of the asylum” at www.musicianlibrary.com

Green Day just released a new album and you can purchase tracks from the album in Rock Band. This game is now seen as a way to get your music to your fans.  Indies have been shut out of this service, but that will come to an end very soon.

Harmonix and MTV Games are opening access to all artists via a newly created Rock Band Network, a platform that gives musicians and record labels the ability to author their own original recordings into gameplay files and sell their music as playable Rock Band tracks through the newly-created Rock Band Network Music Store.

Artists can set their own price  from 50 cents to $3 per track and rwill eceive 30% of any sales.  But there enough technical hoops to jump through that most artists may want to let their distributor or other third party do the heavy lifting. The  new platform will launch in open beta in late August.

Musicians/Publishers will be able to submit their tracks for playtesting and peer review via a specialized Web site, Creators.RockBand.com. You will also need (here is the catch) a membership in Microsoft’s XNA Creators Club Online in order to test and publish game content. The service will only be available to those who purchase a premium membership to Microsoft’s XNA Creators Club for four months at $49.99 or for a year at $99.99.

There is a video showing some of the tools.

The service will launch to only Xbox and PlayStation users, but other platforms are expected to be supported soon.

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Brett Michaels got flattened at this years Tony awards when a backdrop about took his head off. The problem? He looks to get lost a bit in the applause. While CC and everyone else move quickly to avoid what looks like to scoreboard that is rapidly descending, Brett stood a bit tool long to listen to the applause. This looks painful. Oh well, another “Tales From the Road.” If you have one call it in at 888-563-3228. Be sure to mention your website.

Many moons ago I had Nick Daugherty on the podcast as he was going to take 365 days to get a record deal.

Well it took a little longer than 365 days, and I don’t think he got a record deal but Nick has used his time wisely.  He has taken time to make relationships with people. More importantly podcasters. Nick has taken time to chime in on my podcast (here at the Musicians Cooler) and also on my Weekly Web Tools podcast. All that time while he was saving his pennies for time in the studio, writing songs, finding a producer, he was making connections on the Internet.  Someone who doesn’t see the plan, doesn’t see the big picture, they wouldn’t have taken time to make those connections. Nick did, and now has has “Fertile soil” to harvest some promotion for his new CD (coming out this weekend, but you can order an autographed copy during his pre-release at www.nicksjourney.com )

Here is what you can learn from Nick:

1. Never give up. Yes this CD took longer than expected, but he never gave up.

2. He took the extra time to learn, research and get the best tools ready so that when the CD was done, he would be more than ready to go.

If you are looking for a way to grab your visitor’s attention this is THE tool.

You can have it prompt them to sign up for your newsletter. (Never a bad idea to give them something for free for signing up).

You can also have it point to a page on your website (take them straight to the CD page, or the next gig).

If you can’t decide which one to use, you don’t ave to decide. You have it rotate through all the different ads, and it keeps stats.

I’m telling you this thing just rocks, and you can install it on your website in about 5 – 10 minutes. Best of all there is a 365 day money back guarantee, and free upgrades for life. The cost? $47  Order your Ultimate Footer Ad today

Today we talk with Martin Johnson for First Choice Management and host of Christian Music Strategies Podcast.

We find out that while “secular” bands may lead with their music, a Christian band may fine more benefit in leading with their message. A pastor may be asking them to the church to inspire the congregation. Likewise their website should emphasize their message which should in turn get them booked, which should allow them to sell their CDs.

There are places to find Christian Gigs, like Churches, Coffee houses, and even clubs (as long as you bring in a crowd).

While there may not be room on the radio for an indie band, you can definitely get some “podplay” on podcasts. You need to be using the Internet, You Tube (check out www.animimoto.com to make a video from pictures).