Leverage the Internet

Everyone knows that by signing a record deal doesn't mean the work is over. Even thought Tate Music Group is the best label around and gives artists the freedom and flexibility they need, I will be the first one to tell you as the Director of Music Marketing that we are not going to do everything for you!

Yes TMG will handle marketing, publicity, promotion, advertisements, radio, booking, distribution and so on... we rely on the artist to network like crazy. The artist needs to be focused on growing, relating and mobilizing their social networks at all times. We need the artist to utilize the tools and services the Internet provides. They should leverage the internet as much as possible to grow their fan base, increase sales and actually grow their music business...and it is a business.

Besides twitter, facebook and the other social networking platforms that are out there you have to get creative. For instance TMG took our niche and organized Variance Magazine. It is an industry magazine that allows us to feature TMG artists along with articles of larger named acts. Scale Variance down a little and you have an industry newsletter. Every artist out there should have a newsletter that informs their family, friends and fans of what they are doing on a quarterly basis. This is just one example but you see how creativity can really allow you to stay relevant in the business. Check out "100 Resources for DIY Musicians" for some other tips.