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!

AFA as licensing, I think it’s a mugs game..if you scroll down a bit and read Brian’s excellent post on TAXI, you’ll get the drift. I have been involved with Creative Commons and ccMixter almost since it’s inception, and have had things placed..documentaries, shorts, podcasts for instructional resources, industrials for cities and hospitals..a lot of diverse things ..and the money isn’t there. I don’t write music for big Hollywood productions, where the money IS..but if you think the competition for gigs is tough, try getting into the Big Leagues in Hollywood. Good Luck. The rest of it is pretty dog and pony, $$ wise..and I think Brian has been saying this for a while as well. I get great satisfaction on having, fe, a piece in a documentary about the Holocaust..but that is all I get..satisfaction.

Having known this (and knowing a few people in Hollywood film licensing as well) I made a conscious decision a while back to return to performing..and in certain styles of music, you can be “older” . But..you also need to have your head on straight and be aware of every scam. Which is why I started the little rant today about a Union. btw, there is a Union for actors and voice over people..a very good one, and they are protected well.

Charles Mingus knew this 40, 50 years ago..and started his own label, booking agency, etc..like Dave Byrne said..same as it ever was.

It is quickly becoming fact that there are only two groups of Musicians…the very rare few who make it big and the rest of us. The majority of us have to realize the fact that we are merely hobbyists with BIG dreams and shallow pockets. But- the dream doesn’t have to die, it just has to be reshaped. *Music Licensing* to the rescue!

Brian- I am sure you are your own worst critic in regards to your own live performances. I have mixed feelings about performing live- I hate it and love it at the same time. I hate all the prep for a live show and I hate getting jipped or flat out ripped off by promoters…but I love performing and seeing people engaged…even if it’s just a crowd of 10!