Our 2010 Year in Blogging

Happy New Year from Promote Your Music on the Cheap! To kick off the year, we’d like to share with you data on how our blog has been doing. Here’s a high level summary of our overall blog health:

We’re doing awesome!

Blog-Health-o-Meter™

We think we did great! And we have you, our readers, to thank!

Crunchy numbers
A Boeing 747-400 passenger jet can hold 416 passengers. This blog was viewed about 3,600 times in 2010. That’s about 9 full 747s.

In 2010, we wrote 56 new posts, growing the total archive of this blog to 137 posts. We uploaded 7 pictures, taking up a total of 589kb.

Our busiest day of the year was December 21st with 44 views. The most popular post that day was NBC’s New Reality Show “The Voice” Seeking Participants.

Where did these views come from?
The top referring sites in 2010 were blogsearchengine.com, blogcatalog.com, bigextracash.com, capricaepisode.com, and gambang-x.com.

Some visitors came searching, mostly for interscope digital distribution, whotune, starsofwww.com, promote music blog, and cabo wabo tequila.

Attractions in 2010
These are the posts and pages that got the most views in 2010.

1 NBC’s New Reality Show “The Voice” Seeking ParticipantsDecember 2010

2 New Opportunities For Unsigned Acts & Songwriters Announced!!April 2010
6 comments

3 Discovering New Music Artists In The Digital Age: Interscope Digital Distribution Reaches Beyond DIYNovember 2009
2 comments

4 Ten Publicity Stunts that Went Horribly Wrong July 2009

5 Cabo Wabo® Tequila Presents “Your Shot to Rock” — A Search for the Best Unsigned Rock Bands in AmericaApril 2010

See you in 2011!

NBC’s New Reality Show “The Voice” Seeking Participants

NBC and Executive Producers John de Mol & Mark Burnett are searching for the best Voice in America!

Based on the hit show “The Voice of Holland” – It’s all about the Voice and only the best need apply.

This is a show about real talent, the best voice, right attitude, unique sound and performance that makes a lasting impression.

If selected, singers will be mentored by music industry professionals, compete weekly in front of a panel of judges and America will decide which singer will be worthy of the grand prize.

NBC’s “The Voice” wants to know your story and why you are a star in the making.

Submissions via Music Xray here: http://www.musicxray.com/profiles/1526

Sonicbids Partners With Headliner Fm To Help Artists Make Connections And Reach New Fans

Boston, MA– Sonicbids, the leading matchmaking site for bands and music promoters, today announces a partnership with Headliner.fm, the largest real-time social media and viral marketing solution on the web, to launch a new application for artists to reach new fans. With the Headliner.fm app, artists can reach millions of new fans by trading recommendations with like-minded artists and promoting to their fanbases through artist-endorsed status updates on social networking sites and mobile devices.

“Headliner.fm reaches 123 million social media fans on Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and mobile devices, empowering artists to reach and engage new fans in an affordable, targeted and authentic way,” said Sonicbids Founder and CEO Panos Panay.

“This partnership echoes our mission to help artists cultivate relationships with other artists and reach new fans. We’re excited to bring the Headliner.fm app to Sonicbids members and help bands not only get gigs but also interact with their fans in a meaningful way.”

As part of this partnership, Sonicbids artists will have access to the Headliner.fm app to promote everything from new music, videos, tours and contests to helping artists engage with fans and expand their social media fanbases. Artists can create custom promotional messages and service them to other artists in their genre. Each time an artist recommends another artist to their fans, they earn Band Bucks, which can be used to send out their own promotions to reach new fans: one Band Buck equals reach to one new fan.

“Headliner.fm helps solve the universal challenge that all artists face on Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and mobile devices – reaching and engaging new fans. This is not an easy problem to solve,” said Mike More, CEO Headliner.fm. “We had to come up with a solution that was cost-effective and that artists would get behind. We thought about this challenge for a long time and thought that the best way for artists to reach new fans on Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and mobile devices was to have similar artists recommend and endorse them. Getting these endorsements provides artists of any size the chance to reach enough new fans to move the needle. Now, we’re taking this a step further by partnering with Sonicbids. Making the process of booking and promoting shows easy and simple for artists is a common mission both Headliner and Sonicbids share. Our goal is to help artists by providing them with a powerful, easy-to-use, one-stop solution so they can spend less time managing their career and more time making great music.”

To get started, artists log into their Sonicbids account and click on the Headliner.fm app in the Featured Apps section of their homepage. If you don’t have a Sonicbids account, sign up for a 14-day free trial membership here.

Christmas Food Court Flash Mob, Hallelujah Chorus – Must See!

http://www.AlphabetPhotography.com – On Nov.13 2010 unsuspecting shoppers got a big surprise while enjoying their lunch. Over 100 participants in this awesome Christmas Flash Mob. This is a must see!

This flash mob was organized by http://www.AlphabetPhotography.com to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!

Special thanks to Robert Cooper and Chorus Niagara, The Welland Seaway Mall, and Fagan Media Group.

27 Labels / Music Companies Seek New Signings For 2011!

Acts and artists looking for a deal to start the new year can be encouraged by the fact that there are always music companies out there that are actively searching for a new project to get their teeth into.

These companies are researched every month by the international Bandit A&R Newsletter and passed on to their exclusive band of privileged subscribers – and YOU could easily be one of them by clicking the subscription link at the web-site to claim the December AND January issues Free before you pay a penny.

Here are the opportunities uncovered in the new December issue!!

PRODUCER: Mario says he is looking for 2 young, cool, edgy, female singers for an up-tempo ELECTRO project. Great Pop songs on hard edgy beats, somewhere between Kesha and Kathy Perry meets Lady Gaga. If you fill the bill for either of these openings contact NOW

MUSIC GROUP: provides a single home for Artists, which comprises seven core businesses: Record Company, Publishing, Management, Booking Studios / Production, Events and Fashion/Merchandise. they promote, develop and support the visions of their artists. and are determined not to be tied to one style or preconceived idea, but instead to embrace exceptional music from across the spectrum. MD, Ell, says they offer 360 deals to cover the whole spectrum of your career, please submit by email with an mp3 or links to your site.

LABEL: is now starting to take an interest in bands from further afield in the UK and Europe. He works exclusively with bands in the HARD ROCK, METAL and HARDCORE areas. Toby would like to hear from younger bands with no major release yet, that he can help to build up their profile with digital and possibly physical releases. Send a CD, links or an mp3

PRODUCTION CO: have studio facilities in the UK and in Switzerland and have been producing mainstream POP/R&B for a world-wide market for the last ten years. They also have their own label. Writer/Producer, Jim, says he is looking for a young female or male singer or perhaps a group with a female / male lead singer, to front a new TV. project. A good look/image and top quality POP vocals are essential. Please send a recent photo and basic vocal demo.

MANAGEMENT
: based in the NE of England is involved in the discovery or new and emerging talent covering singer / songwriters as well as bands. The company is 4 years old and has three acts signed at the moment. MD, Michael, tells me that he is ready to sign an additional act for 2011 in the POP, ROCK, JAZZ, FUNK or SOUL areas, from anywhere in the world. Please email with the usual info/links

BOOKING AGENCY
: arrange contracts that range from corporate events and residencies in the UK, working on Cruise Ships in the North Sea, Atlantic, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Fjords, and contracts in Hotels in the Scandinavian Countries, Europe, the Middle East, the Far East and many more. Stephen says that he can always place quality acts from piano/vocalists to 4 piece bands who can entertain with a solid repertoire of popular covers. This may not be your direct route to stardom but can bring in some cash and give you some international travel while honing your performance skills and remember record execs take holidays! To explore this opportunity register yourself through the web-site form.

MANAGER: Oliver, says he is interested in quality acts across all commercial genres but requires a CD and physical promo package to fully assess your potential.

PUBLISHER: Les, tells me that he is interested in hearing songs in any commercial style from both pure writers and performing acts, from anywhere in the world. Les is only interested in mainstream, commercial songs that can be pitched to established artists worldwide. Send just a couple of songs

PRODUCER: is very interested in working with great vocalists or bands on production deals, not only to record, but also to work on song development/structure so that the end product is a viable, commercial, radio play proposition. There would be a royalty spilt and also a contribution from the act towards studio costs. Submissions by email only please!

PRODUCER: in Italy has been in touch with me again to say he is looking for a top hit follow up for a female new artist (her debut single will be out soon), style Mika but for female. Please email.

US LABEL: is now accepting demo submissions for its new HIP HOP R&B and POP label, distributed by Bad Boy and Jive Records, for release next spring. If you have hit potential HIP HOP R&B or POP material only submit a four song CD, at least one live performance on DVD and a breif Bio.

US LABEL: has gained worldwide digital distribution with The Orchard, and brick and mortar distribution with Uprising/Red Distribution (Sony). In addition they secured international distribution with Code 7 Distribution (UK), 13Bis Records (France), and Shock Records (Australia). With the new year coming the label is looking to take full advantage of many new opportunities on the horizon for them and will be expanding their roster. Owner, Matt, tells me he is open to submissions from anywhere in the world in the ROCK/POP, ROCK/POWER POP or POP/METAL areas. You must show that you are prepared to work hard and have a good history of touring, sales, PR etc. Submit by EPK/mp3/email.

US MUSIC LIBRARY: says they are a small, friendly and successful outfit, happy to talk to songwriters about their music. They even occasionally help writers perfect their songs or recordings so they can be used for licensing purposes.They specialize in music licensing for TV, Film, Advertising, and Video Games and have over 10 years in the business. Sign up on the web-site, then send package as directed.

MEXICO BASED PRODUCER: who has worked with artists from both major and independent labels is looking for POP, ROCK, R&B, SOUL, or FUNK projects to record in Mexico or the US, with artists who have the talent and potential to make a great album. He’s not managing or promoting projects. Please email

US LABEL: are looking for electronic artists and bands that make cutting edge music that fits the indie vibe. SYNTH, POP, IDM, AMBIENT, ORGANIC ELECTRONIC. Submissions from any English speaking act on CD or by emailed link:

US PRODUCER/PUBLISHER: has worked on projects which featured many of the legends of the music industry including: Haggard, Paycheck, Springsteen, Culture Club, Willie, Hank Cochran etc. the list goes on. Neal is interested in Singer/Songwriters and Bands in the ROCK, ALTERNATIVE, R&B, BLUES, POP, and COUNTRY areas. He is looking for the unique. Those with a sound of their own and with the drive and ambition to take them to the next level. Submissions from anywhere on CD only.

US LABEL: based in New York, deals exclusively with ROCK music.

US PUBLISHER: has been in business since 1985, are always looking for great country songs for publishing. All styles of country. Owner, Edgar, tells me he only listens to 3 songs per CD but you must include typed lyric sheets for each song. He counsels that you should be ready for the long haul as success and song placement does not usually happen overnight.

Website: http://www.banditnewsletter.com/

YouMusic: the Future of Music Promotion

YouMusic.com is ready to truly democratize music once and for all. It is the tool no aspiring music professional will be able to do without in the 21st century.

For musicians, writing great songs, recording great albums and playing great gigs is only half the battle. Equally hard is finding a way to get that talent and creativity to the people that really matter: the fans.

Now, there could finally be a way to make music the democracy it always should have been. YouMusic.com is a website, interactive forum, social networking site and online music library that could truly change the face of the industry and finally take control away from the money men once and for all.

The site exists for the sole purpose of showcasing new musical talent to the world. Artists can upload songs and videos, check out what their peers are doing and even exchange tips and gossip on the forum.

It is also a social networking site where people can find music they love that they might not get the chance to discover through the conventional media.

Bands and artists can promote themselves and others by joining groups of like-minded musicians with similar styles. And they can compare how they are doing with up-to-the-minute charts monitoring downloads from the site.

YouMusic.com is a combination of music promotion portal, online music marketplace, musician’s social networking site with music chat rooms / music forums and listings agency. Yet its easy-to-use format makes it instantly accessible for the most techno-phobic among us.

All in all, YouMusic.com could very quickly become the only tool any musician needs to make it in the most competitive industry there is. And it could be the only site any true music lover needs to visit.

It is the best way to promote your music, make new friends, hear the latest news and views and catch the most exciting music before it hits the shops. YouMusic.com is the future that no musician can afford to miss.

Contact:

Camelia Danicio

YouMusicPress@gmail.com

Latest Music News

FanDistro: Reward your Fans for Selling your Music

FanDistro, a new startup out of NYC aims to provide fan-based affiliate marketing services for bands, musicians and labels, helping them to increase their sales.

According to FanDistro, by enabling fans to earn money from an artist’s music and merchandise, they will become an Artist’s most avid sales and marketing force.

Disbursements for fan sales are “typically 60% to Artist, 20% to the Fan partner, and 20% to FanDistro,” all processed through Paypal.

How FanDistro works for artists:

How FanDistro works for fans:

The Shure SM58® GIVE IT VOICE TOUR has officially kicked off!

We’re calling on independent bands to battle for a shot to be discovered by thousands at the RedGorilla Music Fest! That’s right.

And if you’re a fan, we want you to rally for your favorite band and sound in with your votes for a chance to win incredible Shure gear along the way.

Bands: Grab your best track and hustle for votes. You have until December 10th, 2010 11:59 PM CST to enter!

Visit this link to REGISTER & SUBMIT A TRACK!
http://giveitvoice.shure.com/for-bands

Fans: Listen to tracks and vote for your favorite bands! You have until December 17th, 2010 11:59 PM CST to vote!

Visit this link to LISTEN & CAST YOUR VOTE! http://giveitvoice.shure.com/for-fans

That’s all for now! Submit your track, share with your friends and get those
votes in.

GOOD LUCK!

Regional winners perform live in:
• AUSTIN: Emo’s : Jan 26, 2011 7 PM CST
• BOSTON: The Paradise: Jan 27, 2011 7PM EST
• CHICAGO: Metro: Jan 20, 2011 6 PM CST
• LOS ANGELES: The Roxy: Jan 19, 2011 8 PM PST
• NASHVILLE: Wildhorse Saloon: Jan 25, 2011 6 PM CST
• TORONTO: The Mod Club: Jan 24, 2011 7:30 PM EST

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, C and Canada (excluding the province of Quebec), 18 years or older and who are not an employee, officer or director of Shure Incorporated (Sponsor), its affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising and promotional agencies or involved in the development or execution of the sweepstakes or an immediate family member of or household resident with such persons.

Jaci Redlin
CanadianMusicians.com

Teach The Dream’s THE MUSIC REVOLUTION

Teach The Dream gets ready to launch the first of its seminar/concert series starting with The Music Revolution in Tampa, Florida on Sunday November 21, 2010 at the Dallas Bull(www.teachthedream/event). Months of planning, practicing, coordinating have geared up the team at Teach The Dream for an incredible day of music clinics followed by a night of live performances.

Teach The Dream foundation was envisioned by John Seda from Rising Music Music in Tampa who believes that artists of all kinds need the education, support, and mentoring that fosters successful artists. John Seda has over 30 years in the music industry in varying roles such as musician, performer, songwriter, producer, sound engineer, and audio engineer. He has collaborated with Gold and Platinum selling artists, as well as with Grammy Award winners and Hall of Fame recipients. All of these roles have given John a special perspective of the industry as well as knowledge of what it takes to successful within.

Yolanda Mercado, Vice President of Teach the Dream states, “Keeping the arts alive in our schools is paramount to creating well-rounded students. It also lets students know that it is good to pursue their dreams or aspirations thereby encouraging young artists to stay involved with the arts. Most often artists do not have the tools with which to be successful at their craft. In other words, artists are left without professional guidance, mentoring from experienced artists, knowledge of legal issues, how to perfect their craft, or how to be successful in a highly competitive performing world.” The foundation believes that without the necessary support given to teachers and mentors, the arts are slowly dying from neglect. Teach The Dream is the vehicle that will provide artists with the necessary tools with which to be successful. “It is time for a change in the arts industry and it starts with the Teach The Dream concept”, says Yolanda Mercado. “Empowering artists through education, support, and mentoring is the key to creating change.”

Teach The Dream is gaining huge momentum as it draws the interest of legendary artists, and national and international industry professionals. The title and theme song, “Teach The Dream”, written by John Seda, has already received huge international recognition having been translated into eleven languages! This is a movement that is being embraced universally as it speaks to all artists from around the world.

Some of the musical muscle joining forces with Teach the Dream is legendary rock and roll hall of fame inductee and founder of Jefferson Airplane, MARTY BALIN (www.martybalin.net). Not only will he be a guest speaker at The Music Revolution, he will also be performing numerous Airplane and Starship songs along with several of his new songs. Another music icon, co-founder of Woodstock, ARTIE KORNFELD (www.artiekornfeld-woodstock.com), will be the headlining guest speaker at The Music Revolution sharing his history and experiences.

Also performing for The Music Revolution will be Bass King Charles Glenn(www.thebassking.com), Michael Sean Allman (www.michaelallmanband.com), Latin Jazz group Ibaase, Bobby Hendricks of The
Drifters, along with many others.
To join the movement to support the arts and Teach The Dream, visit http://www.teachthedream.com or http://www.risingsunmusic.com

MajorLabelScout.Com Accepting Applications for the Last Time this Year

New York, NY – The unique A&R (talent-discovering) network is currently accepting new applications for the final time in 2010. Looking for the very best and most dedicated young tastemakers, the program utilizes a highly select group of scouts from the U.S., Canada and U.K. to identify potentially groundbreaking artists to be considered for publishing, recording and management deals.

This cutting-edge project is a private venture developed by Ken Krongard, author of Inside A&R: The Musician’s Guide To Pursuing A Major Label Record Deal, and a former A&R executive credited with signing Avril Lavigne.

MLS-discovered artists currently include Jason Reeves, now a Warner Bros. artist signed to that label by Kara Dioguardi of American Idol. Reeves is also now a multi-platinum song writer, having written multiple hits for artists such as Colbie Caillat. Other MLS artists include the sensational Joe Brooks, who recently released his debut album on Lava/Republic/Universal records and Canadian powerhouse-trio Inward Eye, signed to RCA.

An MLS Scout is responsible for seeking out commercially viable talent and submitting it to the company. As well as reviewing and rating the artists that were presented. There are also opportunities review live performances, network within this exclusive community, and in addition the website offers many learning materials and resources.

To fill out an application go to the official website http://www.majorlabelscout.com and click Apply Now. For more information, please contact Adam Weidman at info@majorlabelscout.com.

Website: http://www.majorlabelscout.com/