How to Become a Good Producer/Engineer

This is a question I see and hear frequently, my answer to this question is a very simple one: Put your client first! Whether you are the producer, recording engineer, mixing or mastering engineer or all the above, always remember that the client is your lifeline in this industry. (along with your ears)

Collaboration between you and the client should be a producer/engineer's main focus, because an audio production is a team effort between all people involved, not just what YOU want. If you are just starting to work with a new artist, one of the best ways to get on the same page and understand each other's point of views is to have a pre-production meeting.

This is one of the most vital aspects of a recording; be it a single track or an entire album.

What is a pre-production meeting? This is the earliest stage in the recording process, generally you'll want to sit down with the artist (and their manager if available) and listen to some demos with them (especially if you are acting as producer) and help with any arrangement/composition issues you may hear, this is basically a brainstorming session that will really bring you and the artist closer as a unit, you will bring your ideas and wants up while listening and hopefully reach a median between what you would both like to hear in regards to their musical direction.

A pre-production meeting can last one day or a few days,however long it takes to establish that common ground which I like to call harmony. However that is not all that is involved in the pre-production stage. You will also decide upon which studio you wish to record at (unless a label or manager has the most say), who it will be mixed by and where it will be mastered at.

Other things such as which microphones will be used on what instruments is another thing to be discussed, create a list before you go into the studio and show it to the recording engineer and be open to any suggestions they may have to replace a particular microphone or three on your list, generally you'll want to think about leaving vocal microphones out of this list as every vocalist has a different voice and you will want to try out 3-4 different microphones to find that perfect match for your artist.

I view a pre-production meeting as a communication session. Get to know your client as a person, not as a dollar sign, find out what they are about and what their goals, standards and interests are. Even a simple interest phone call can work wonders if you have spoken to a client but had not heard back from them, ask them how they're doing and see if there is anything you can help them with.

Establishing friendships and showing interest in your fellow human beings can take you very far! After all is said and done, you may just have a new friend and client for life if you follow these small but simple rules. I cannot give answers to specific scenarios here because every scenario is different and requires a different answer for people involved.

Knowing when to say things and how to say them is a vital part of the communication process as well. If something is bad, never flat out say "That was absolutely terrible!" You could really hurt someone's feelings (especially a passionate vocalist). If you are in a session and a musician keeps making mistakes, offer a suggestion that will help them out, take a break, do whatever is needed to get them back into shape.

Every individual has a certain personality and not every producer/artist relationship is a positive one, sometimes some screaming and hollering will happen, remember to keep your cool though and try to get everything back on a positive playing field for everyone as negativity makes any session turn sour real fast. Empower your artist with positive comments: "That's great!" "Perfect!" and "keep going!" are some empowering comments but you must truly mean them and be enthusiastic about what you say, false flattery will get you nowhere! If something needs to be re-recorded, tell them that what they played was fine but you want to get some more takes to be on the safe side.

In closing, I cannot emphasize enough how detrimental poor communication skills are in the music industry and life in general, show interest in the people you are working with and carry a positive attitude as much as you can, wear a smile and walk tall!

Josh Hayward

Contributer Josh Hayward is a recording/mixing engineer trained at Willie Nelson's former Arlyn Studios. He teaches various classes such as Pro Tools and music marketing training and is the owner of Astral Plane Studios. For more on Mr. Hayward, his classes and Astral Plane Studios:

  Website: http://www.astralplanestudios.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/astralplanestudios
   Twitter: @AstralPStudios

Finding, Choosing and Working with a Talent Agent

Some of the most common questions I get from from aspiring actors with head shots hot off the press and eager to wow the world with their thespian skills are: How do I find a agent?  Where do you go? Where do you start? What should you expect from your agent and what should s/he expect from you? Aside from what you think you know from that episode or two of "Entourage", finding and working with an agent is a process. Here's what you need to know: 

What does an agent do for me? 

A talent agent is someone who has the inside info within TV, film, and theater. Agents acts as a go between for their client and casting directors. Your agent should utilize their contacts, know whats in production and what roles are best suited for you. Not only do they find you work but act as your representative in all legal matters connected to your work and negotiate the terms of all deals and contracts.


                                                Beginning the Search

Any agent you choose needs to be franchised and licensed.  I wouldn't suggest initiating your search by looking online because there are a lot of frauds, leaving yourself open to scams. Keep in mind that agents that are licensed and regulated get 10% from your pay. They are not permitted to request any additional fees or commission. If you do decide to do a search online check SAG or AFTRA websites for lists of legit agents.


You can start your search by:

- Picking up "Call Sheet", formerly known as the Ross Report.This 
  book full of agents, casting directors, and producers can be found 
  online or at a drama bookshop and will run you $10. Start with 
  location, and look for agencies that rep your talent (theater, 
  comedy, commercial).
- Going to networking events
- Involve yourself in plays and films (indie/student).
- Take acting classes and attend workshops
- Bring it up to friends within the industry or in class's and ask for 
  suggestions.
- If you have a friend that's represented (with a good 
  reputation)see if they could bring you in.

With the information you gather, compile a list. Do some digging within your own network and find out who has worked with who and if they are familiar with any of the names or agencies. Take the time to research each agent.

                                                                               Making Contact

Rather than mailing out head shots, hoping for a response (which will honestly be thrown away or overlooked), try attending a casting or agent workshop. A couple of the best known are "One on One" and "Actors Access" -  you pay a fee to attend and audition for several agents at a time! How efficient is that?! While there be sure to network.

                                 
            The Big Meeting

The agent/client relationship shouldn't be a forced business relationship. You and your potential agent need to meet and see if this relationship could work because it's essential that you are able to work together. You may be asked to audition, so be prepared with a couple of monologues and examples of your work.

- Ask questions like " how many actors of my type do you 
 represent?" This is important because this means that they are 
 already established with your "type"and have the connections to 
 get you those sought after roles.

- Be humble, not cocky. No one wants to work with a diva. Your 
  reputation means everything and people talk. Don't make 
  demands right off the bat

- There may be some constructive criticism regarding your look, 
  head shots, etc. take the criticisms with tact and respect. It's no 
  secret that the business is heavily based on looks so you need to 
  have a thick skin.

 If you just don't click, finish out the meeting, and thank them for  
 their time. You never know when you'll meet again.

                                      Making the Final Decision

If you're in the early stages of your career, it may be best for you to choose a smaller agency.

Here's why: consider how many clients the agent has. How much time will they have to for you? Yes, a bigger agency does have bigger names, but larger agencies focus on the bigger names because that's where the revenue is. On the other end, smaller agencies provide the attention you need, but may lack the power. That's where your research comes in. What is the agents rep? How well known are they and how many contacts do they have? Who are their contacts? It is very important to have an agent with a good reputation and well connected - casting directors will be more willing to see you. The better known, more likely you are to be seen for an audition.

                                                Starting out

Agent should know the types of roles your a good fit for. For the both of you to be on the same page, it would be wise to see where both of you see your career heading in the next 5-10 years. Hash out what you feel comfortable with and if you chose the right agent for you, you should also trust their judgement.



Once you sign with an agent, they may set up a meeting with various casting directors, producers, and executives to "introduce" you. The whole point of these meetings are to place you in the mind of these decision makers and influencers. You want them to remember you when they come across a role you could be perfect for.



Do's and Don'ts of the Agent/Client Relationship

- Although there's no need to submit head shots, DO still have 
  some on hand in case they are requested or in the event your 
  agent needs them.

- DO follow instructions! If you are asked for 3 pics, only send 3, 
  not 50. It can be very frustrating to open and load all those 
  attachments then do a side by side comparisons.

- DON'T call for the trivial stuff. Example of trivial - directions to 
  an audition (google is your friend). It takes time away from the 
  things you really need your agent to focus on like finding you 
  work ornegotiating a deal.

- DO always confirm your auditions right away. Some casting 
  directors give deadlines - you could be replaced.

- DO NOT show up to castings unannounced or with friends that 
  may be great for a particular audition. This is very 
  unprofessional and not only will the casting crew be annoyed 
  with you but may reach out to your agency regarding your 
  unprofessional behavior. This affects your agency's reputation, 
  as well as yours.

- DO call when you can't make an audition that's already been 
  confirmed.

- DO NOT bad mouth your agent to fellow actors within 
  workshops and classes. Word spreads like a virus - if it's not a 
  good fit, respectfully end the relationship rather than burning 
  bridges AND your reputation.

- DO be as proactive if not more than your agent! use IMDBPro, 
  CastingAbout.com, Breakdown Sources CD book, and Alex's 
  Info/Newsletter to find the names of projects and those who are 
  involved in the casting process to network and find out about 
  more roles.

- DO NOT ask to change the times of auditions. Auditions are 
  usually held within very specific time frames. It can be very 
  inconvenient on all ends to make accommodations. As an actor, 
  it is part of your job to have open availability... I know.. I know, 
  you have bills to pay, but it is a complicated dream to chase. Be 
  flexible and open.

- DO manage a schedule of your bookings

- DO NOT be one of those actors who says " I don't watch 
  television" C'mon... that is totally ridiculous! Watching tv is the 
  best FREE way to know what shows you may want to audition 
  for and watch the credits for the names of those involved in the 
  casting process.


While having an agent can be an important asset to your career. it is even more vital that you actively pursue the career you want. Ironically, you are more appealing as a client if they know you are just as invested (if not more), in looking for work for yourself. 

INDUSTRY TRUTH: Your agent may very well be looking for work for you, but priority will always be with an established and steadily working actor.

Use an agent as a form of support for finding work, not the only way you get work. Be as proactive in your career and you may be just as successful without one. No one should be more invested in building your career than you!

Good luck! 

Top 5 Ways to get noticed in the Music Biz

Is that something you always dream about? Well, I have something for yoooouuu! I am a member of a facebook group called StooshPR and these tips were shared. I thought that these tips were absolutely worth distributing and would be helpful to you musicians. Thanks to Jane from StooshPR! 

P.S - Join this amazing group (StooshPR) for networking, tips, support and much more! Get Stooshed! 

Top 5 Ways to get noticed in the Music Biz

1) Write and record stellar music. 

This one goes without saying, but if your songs aren’t (at a minimum) catchy, provocative, unique, and meticulously recorded, then you need to invest as much time and effort as it takes to get them that way. The days of getting picked up by record labels on the basis of extremely low-budget demo recordings are pretty much over. So you basically need suck it up and spend some cash. Speaking of which…. 


2) Manage your finances effectively

It’s pretty much common knowledge that record labels no longer have huge stacks of money to invest in “artist development.” This means that you absolutely must manage your music career like you are running a business, watching your cash flow very carefully and keeping yourself in the black. Artists who fail to demonstrate responsibility and discipline in financial matters will simply get passed over by the labels. Period. Bottom line—you need to resist the urge to live the rock star lifestyle until you’ve got the bank to support it.

3) Play lots of gigs

The benefits of playing out on a regular basis are numerous. First of all, it helps to improve your musicianship through practice & repetition, forcing you to perform well under pressure. Secondly, it helps you to establish and refine your brand, personality, songwriting, and unique sound. Thirdly, it will help improve your charisma and social skills because you’ll be constantly fielding comments and questions from fans. And lastly but certainly not leastly, it will put money in your pocket, which of course helps with #2 above.

4) Develop and streamline your social media presence

In today’s all-digital music industry, this is an absolute must. You need to have a solid social media marketing plan in order to reach the maximum number of people and get as many ears on your music as possible.

So how do you do you go about developing such a plan? I’m so 
glad you asked. :) 

Here are a few tips:

Create consistent and professional-looking branding. Unless you’re super-handy with Photoshop and/or Illustrator, bite the bullet and hire a graphic designer.Design an eye-catching (but tasteful) Twitter background, YouTube Channel, and Facebook page using your custom branding. 

Upload your music to sites like ReverbNation, SoundCloud, and the BandPage app on Facebook, and promote it onall of your other social media channels

Create (and stick to) a regular posting/tweeting schedule to remain“top of mind” with your fans. Keep them informed of your upcoming shows, share pics & videos, and occasionally share off-topic items that you think they’ll enjoy.

Set weekly goals for increasing your following, and constantly engage with fans. Never let a question or comment go unacknowledged.

Remember that achieving success with social media is a journey, not a destination.


And finally, we arrive at the most important tool in your arsenal 
when it comes to getting noticed in today’s music industry….

5) Get some truly amazing promotional photos

Time and time again, the first thing that potential fans (or talent scouts, venue managers, or even <gasp> A&R reps) will see typically see when they come across your stuff for the very first time are your photos. Make a great impression, and chances are good that the person in question will bother to click your link, rummage through your press kit, or <gasp> actually listen to your music. Right or wrong, we all “judge a book by its cover” from time to time, so it’s no surprise that people will instantly make certain assumptions about you based solely on the quality and impact of your promotional photos. It doesn’t matter if you spent eleventy billion dollars on your album— if nobody’s listening to it because your pictures suck, then for all intents and purposes, you do too.

You might literally only have 2 seconds to catch someone’s eye, and bear in mind that in today’s caffeine-fueled world of 140-charatcer status updates, there will always be countless other things competing for that same sliver of attention. So the bottom line is that, when given a chance, you better make it count. As the great lyricist Eminem said, “you only get one shot, do NOT miss your chance to glow.”

By Russ Robinson

Staying Relevant - as an Indie Musician

                                                                 Image courtesy of receptivemusic.com
 


So you've finished your album, you're done touring and promoting. Time to take some time off! 

Not so fast... 

Unless you are done with your career as a musician, you need to become that artist/band where your fans are desperate for new material. 

How do you do that? 

By staying visible. 

Most of the time, musicians only connect with their fan base to promote and sell. Independent artists do not have the luxury of putting music out once a year, promoting and touring for three months, then going back into hibernation. Don't disappear! Stay connected to your fans!

Create a content calender containing all the social media you utilize for your music. Plan out how you will use each channel (ex. Twitter 3x's a day, emailing a newsletter once a month, blogging twice a week). Plan each post, pic, tweet or status.  Most types of social media will let you time these, so you can take a day to set all posts up ahead of time to be published at a later date. Be sure to check insights to see where your views are at the highest so that you have the max outreach. 

Find ways to add to your fan base. It would be to your benefit to do some research on how to use social media to its full potential.

Post and and tweet out photos of you writing or composing music, share demos and ask for feedback. Do a weekly video on Ustream and let them see you test out a new song. Tell them what your up to, how the music is sounding, and keep them engaged. Allow them to help you evolve and make them hungry for the end result.

Week In News

                                                       Image courtesy of Hollywood Reporter


Excited to start our new biweekly feature: Week In News. Middle and end of week will we share a few of the industry's top headlines with links for more reading. 

TV

Scandal gets upgraded from 13 to 22 new episodes, Deception cancelled. Did your show make the cut? Read the Network Scorecard here to find out: -    http://goo.gl/vcysP


Yea yea, whatshername got eliminated but yo dawg, Randy Jackson is finally out! Leaving Idol after this season: - http://goo.gl/2Lz9V


BSkyB invests another $1.9 million into U.S/European TV streaming platform - http://goo.gl/OSQv3


"Young and the Restless" legend Jeanne Cooper passes away at 84 -  http://goo.gl/lUWP

Film

Ugh, is this ever gonna happen?! Jurassic Park postponed again -
http://goo.gl/8Ju5g

Kickstarter founders address celebrity funding controversy -  
http://goo.gl/AeQIX

How great is the Great Gatsby worth the hype? -http://goo.gl/7eho4


Tax loopholes for Hollywood -  http://goo.gl/5visz

Music

Green Day vs. Psy? - http://goo.gl/HXHmF

Mariah's back with "#Beautiful" ft. Miguel. Watch it here -

http://goo.gl/5i4j4

Business and Media

UTA is going after another former client, Donald Faison your it!
http://goo.gl/5ISUZ


Advertisers excluding Rush Limbaugh...shocking?..think not!
http://goo.gl/coeLO



Local Cleveland station apologizes for smear campaign against Charles Ramsey - http://goo.gl/4lTzA