Greetings. It's been a while since I have made an entry into this blog, but I assure you I have not been neglecting the development of my 'Music as a Business' dreams and goals.
I'm going to go into a mode of writing that is more like entering into a journal, because this way I can accomplish my goal of linking to all of the material that I'm consuming, and tie myself into a wider network of ideas, resources, and people.
NOTE: Please excuse me if this reads like I'm just saying, "me me me me me me ME me me". So far I'm doing all this 'music business' stuff on my own, and it helps to type it out and chart my progress. I also do it to invite feedback!
To begin: I've relocated from BITTER North Dakota, to WET Wisconsin with my partner Jessica. We're really enjoying being closer to more metro areas, and I look forward to making more music connections in the process of getting some gigs in order. So far the Acoustic Cafe in Menominee looks promising.
While looking for a job and working on fixing up some old tracks, I've been reading posts on Digital Music News, as it pertains to independent musicians who want to break out of the antiquated "Big Record Company as a Loan-Shark" business model that has existed since the early days.
Lurking through those articles has lead me to some nice work from the prolific blogger/musician (and fellow Mid-Westerner) Ari Herstand on 10 Full time musicians. Not only was the article inspiring, but it gave me a grip of good advice from people who are living off their 'musicing'.
One particular point of advice was the idea of relying on Merchandise sales to make up for touring expenses. The idea of developing merch got me all hot under the collar, because I could design my own t-shirts and posters, and make use of my oft-neglected doodling abilities.
Now the thought of who shall provide the service offers a deep consideration. Its pretty sad that sweatshops are still making clothes! Although not a top example of good practices, American Apparel supposedly does manufacturing in America, BUT they have multiple instances of sexual harassment and to be honest don't set a very high standard for egalitarian imagery in there ads.
BUT THERE IS HOPE! As the Salon article linked-to above states, the company EthixMerch looks pretty freaking perfect. There is even a cooperative printing shop! I'll be posting more about merch as I develop some products, but so far it's a little ways off. Perhaps I may do a Kickstarter to get some of the first batches up and running, but that will be an effort in itself.
On a similar note, I'm developing the idea of Branding an image to fit with my sound, as well as creating a performing title (still a secret). As for clothing, I'm leaning towards the handsome gentleman look (whether or not Jude Law is in fact a Gentleman, he's still goddamn handsome):
The merch will tie in with other branding ideas, and hopefully it will make more sense as it progresses.
Anyway, I suggest you read the Salon article about sweatshops, and think about collective buying power as a means to make social change. Kind of like that cooperative grocery store just down the street...
Thanks for tuning in and see you soon.
I'm going to go into a mode of writing that is more like entering into a journal, because this way I can accomplish my goal of linking to all of the material that I'm consuming, and tie myself into a wider network of ideas, resources, and people.
NOTE: Please excuse me if this reads like I'm just saying, "me me me me me me ME me me". So far I'm doing all this 'music business' stuff on my own, and it helps to type it out and chart my progress. I also do it to invite feedback!
To begin: I've relocated from BITTER North Dakota, to WET Wisconsin with my partner Jessica. We're really enjoying being closer to more metro areas, and I look forward to making more music connections in the process of getting some gigs in order. So far the Acoustic Cafe in Menominee looks promising.
While looking for a job and working on fixing up some old tracks, I've been reading posts on Digital Music News, as it pertains to independent musicians who want to break out of the antiquated "Big Record Company as a Loan-Shark" business model that has existed since the early days.
Lurking through those articles has lead me to some nice work from the prolific blogger/musician (and fellow Mid-Westerner) Ari Herstand on 10 Full time musicians. Not only was the article inspiring, but it gave me a grip of good advice from people who are living off their 'musicing'.
One particular point of advice was the idea of relying on Merchandise sales to make up for touring expenses. The idea of developing merch got me all hot under the collar, because I could design my own t-shirts and posters, and make use of my oft-neglected doodling abilities.
Now the thought of who shall provide the service offers a deep consideration. Its pretty sad that sweatshops are still making clothes! Although not a top example of good practices, American Apparel supposedly does manufacturing in America, BUT they have multiple instances of sexual harassment and to be honest don't set a very high standard for egalitarian imagery in there ads.
BUT THERE IS HOPE! As the Salon article linked-to above states, the company EthixMerch looks pretty freaking perfect. There is even a cooperative printing shop! I'll be posting more about merch as I develop some products, but so far it's a little ways off. Perhaps I may do a Kickstarter to get some of the first batches up and running, but that will be an effort in itself.
On a similar note, I'm developing the idea of Branding an image to fit with my sound, as well as creating a performing title (still a secret). As for clothing, I'm leaning towards the handsome gentleman look (whether or not Jude Law is in fact a Gentleman, he's still goddamn handsome):
Anyway, I suggest you read the Salon article about sweatshops, and think about collective buying power as a means to make social change. Kind of like that cooperative grocery store just down the street...
Thanks for tuning in and see you soon.
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