However, I think that having a lasting more engaged fanbase is better and there are now tons of tools online to allow us all to do that. We will all just have to do a lot more work than we are used to!

You’d better ask the Tiger ;D

AFA the living wage..some success so far in Portland, but it takes unification of purpose through a Union of like minded individuals to succeed.. the strangest objections come from musicians who feel it is infringing on their “freedom”, and another topic another etc. etc.

The “free” part I was referencing was in regards to recorded music, as it is commonly accepted that it’s “all free” now, and simply something to be used for another end;-licensing, promotions, advertising. I believe music has a great intrinsic value in and of itself. And in that essence it is always “free”..but ouch, off to something else again.

I think it comes down to a really basic question: why do you play music (or write, or paint or ). Answer that question and the rest is simple..umm..simpler..ok, less complex.

Improvised instrumental dance music sounds more fun than what I used to do! Nowadays that wouldn’t be too hard to pull off with Ableton Live and my APC40, though I’d still rather be making records.

An artist “living wage” is a tough sell. “Free” probably isn’t doing you any favors in that regard.

As for licensing, I had my first successes this year. The MTV placements haven’t brought in any new fans or sales that I can trace, but we’ll see how much I get from ASCAP. I signed an exclusive publishing deal with Pigfactory a few months ago. So far they haven’t placed anything, but they’ve at least made me feel like they’re handling it so I can focus on making music.

Charlene, I’ve got four fairly representative live tracks on the reissue of my first album, Sketches in Grey. They’re fine, but by no means outstanding.

Kenny, radio is certainly responsible for many bands’ successes. While nobody’s ever emailed me saying they heard me on your show, I appreciate your support through the years! I would never invest in another radio promotion, but I still send out new releases to the handful of DJs who have stuck by me (which includes none of the ones targeted in my paid campaigns).

I know that the lowly college station I had a good following on with my synth show had a “buzz”. The after effects of that buzz is almost impossible to follow.

That “buzz” got the attention of the big league local station and the MD started playing the band after tuning in to my weekly program. He actually told that band where he heard them and how that created an interest in rotating their music.

Shiny Toy Guns did pretty well. : )

Another great post, Brian.

I think the left brain/right brain, two hats thing needs a lot of scrutiny..you know, that’s a standard tag used by people who would like you to use their services. But if you are a musician, or a writer or an artist in general..you have made a decision, and can deal with the mundane part..which is the biz end. And yep..you have to do that. But it can be done without workshops/seminars/ SXSW.

AFA licensing..sure. But I have also set a principle..and the projects I like and willingly do, as part of Creative Commons, get my full free attention. the rest, and there are a bunch..don’t know yet. .

I mean you could be a …welder?? and make weapons..or build bridges..same “gig”, “skillset” bladibla..but what are you doing? Same thing for licensing..crap, time wasting video game nonsense..or music that does something to give Peace and Justice a chance.

ok Brian, butting out..`

Yes- I agree with you, an Indie band can play show after show, set up tours all the time, and pull in enough money to get-by.

Music licensing is a brutal business, and an Artist can easily waste a ton of money sending promos out in this area as well. I never had faith in TAXI, so I never gave them a try- though I sure thought about it, and almost did. The problem with Musician’s is that most don’t know how to wear 2 hats, one being the ‘creative hat’ and the other being the ‘business hat.’ For real success you have to be extra savvy in both. Unfortunately for me, I am not a people-person…and I feel my skills are only moderate in both areas. But- when they grow strong, I will pursue the music licensing route more aggressively.

Your placements thus far sound very good, by the way- congratulations! So is this an avenue you will continue to pursue (music licensing)? Even if it only brings in a little bit of money here and there- that’s a good thing, better than nothing at all!