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Richard Carey Ford's avatar

It does seem like some of what's needed is really basic. Like building an email list and then emailing them. Out of dozens of artists that I have signed up for their emails, only 6-8 actual email me regularly. And the emails aren't real compelling a lot of the time. I'd love to be able to help more artists with this. The other big thing is why are we all having so much trouble building a team to help. In the 90's I had a lot less trouble with that. Of course, back then I routinely left my house. Maybe that should be #6... Leave your house a couple times a week... Thanks for the article Michael!

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Nikki Bold's avatar

Though I would wonder, IS email the best option anymore? I don’t know about you, but I get over 100 emails a day and usually don’t bother even opening most of the promotional ones. That form of media seems to be falling off in a lot of areas.

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Mark Rushton's avatar

This exactly. So many artists I know and have followed don’t even have a mailing list they control. They think being on FB or IG, which is throttled, is enough. If they do send out emails, they don’t do it often enough. Or when they do send out one or two emails a year they’re constantly apologizing and asking people to unsubscribe. It’s hard enough being an artist, but some people make it so difficult for themselves.

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Tom Savage's avatar

Good list!

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Felix's avatar

Hola amigo! Creo que todo seria mas facil si volvieramos al siglo pasado... con la tecnologia de audio digital que habia en los 80 o 90 o los primeros años del nuevo milenio. Las redes nos isolaron, nos enfermaron las mentes y los corazones. Extraño mucho la epoca de oro del Rock. Hoy es todo cumbia o punchi-punchi. Redes, publicidad paga para conseguir seguidores... Spotyfuck... un delirio mistico de los ricachones del ciber espacio que a nada conducen.

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Andy Laverdiere Jr's avatar

Great read, Michael and so on point.

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Betsy Parada's avatar

Great article, thanks!

The pandemic didn't help the isolation, but it seems a bit more possible now to get out locally to places that have live music, from tiny neighborhood shops to clubs. We need to do what we can to stay connected to music and other musicians on a similar path. Invite people to play at home or in a park where it's legal to play outdoors.

Also, your other very good article on the demise of streaming is one to which we should pay heed. It's a time of change for all of the arts, a time that calls for an organic approach.

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Jason Joseph Newton's avatar

Loved this post, Michael. I’ve put out a feq albums, EPs and singles over the last 25 years and plan to out the next in the autumn. This really resonated with me, especially the internal/external locus idea. Thanks.

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Sam L Barker's avatar

Definitely especially interesting given the news this week that the Record Industry is earning more than ever before. But WHO is that money going to? There's plenty of cash for larger artists but it really seems to be a struggle for smaller acts and venues.

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AI Film Agency, LLC's avatar

This is so true. Thank you for bringing to light the darkness that faces Artist daily.

I’m one, and I’ve lived the lonely road myself.

Keep rockin!

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Jan 7
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Michael Gilbride's avatar

Thanks Kate!! Was great meeting you

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