As The World Tunes

Free Knowledge

by Steve Bussey
GeoSynchronous Records

Making a living in the music business is a very tough thing to do. Every little bit of knowledge helps, and if you can get it for free and it helps you make a buck or two, how can you complain? Here are several email lists that you can subscribe to for free, all dealing with specific issues in performing, promoting, and songwriting.

THE BARDS CRIER
Published by the Brobdingnagian Bards, Celtic Renaissance musicians from Austin, Texas. Although the Bards are a Celtic band, their techniques are applicable to any style of music (and even cross over to other arts as well). They believe in effective and inexpensive promotion. A recent newsletter had articles on motivating your fans to buy your CD, word of mouth promotion, listings of other websites and email newsletters, and of course where to buy their CD. To subscribe mail to: thebardscrier-subscribe@egroups.com or visit the website, http://thebards.net/crier/

JUST PLAIN NOTES
This one is published by Just Plain Folks, an organization for folk music, and it is more oriented towards the songwriting side of the business, but still has plenty of marketing tips, too. A recent newsletter had articles on honesty in songwriting, moving your listener, info on several songwriting seminars, and how to plan your CD release. To subscribe mail to: jpfolkspro@aol.com , or visit the website, http://www.jpfolks.com/ .

THE INSIDE SCORE
Specifically for and about Motion Picture and Television Composers. This is a good one if you want to get your music behind the video or movie screen. Features include a composer of the week, excerpts of current relevant news releases, gear discussion, and some employment opportunities. To subscribe mail to: editor@composersnet.com or visit the website, http://www.composersnet.com

THE BUZZ FACTOR
Bob Baker's Music Marketing Tip Sheet - Your #1 source for inspiration and low-cost marketing ideas for your independent band or record label. Bob usually covers one or two simple but effective marketing tips in each newsletter, as well as real world examples used by other bands. To get The Buzz Factor, visit the web site at: http://www.TheBuzzFactor.com.

About the author: Steve Bussey is a singer/songwriter/guitarist and is currently the owner and general manager of GeoSynchronous Records (http://www.pan.com/geosync, Listening Line 800 235 9193, ask for a free catalog), an indie label handling artists such as Les Dudek, Mike Pachelli, Bong Water Taffy, and Big Red & The Bus. Prior to this, Steve earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Electrical Engineering and Acoustics from Georgia Tech, designed sound equipment and guitar amps for Fender, and supervised design of communication systems for the Space Shuttle at Kennedy Space Center.