We are almost in July and that means we are coming up on our busiest month of the year so far. So this is a look at what we have on the agenda this month.
First I am happy to announce that Wicked Butterfly Entertainment has come to terms with artists in the Lubbock and Amarillo areas. The full details on these 2 artists will be posted as soon as they become official. Now this month we have 3 shows within the first 2 weeks. Next Thursday Draztik the Terrible will be opening up for none other than Miss Kisa. She comes out of the great state of Florida and the show in Amarillo is going to be hype as hell. Then a mere 6 days later on July 11 also in Amarillo Draztik will be opening up for none other than that West Coast Killa himself Mars and the legend himself Mastamind on their Keep it Reel Tour. On July 15 Draztik will perform at a local showcase show in amarillo as well. So that is how this month will start for us. Along with that we are still in the studio pushing hard to make sure his album "Between Heaven and Hell" is ready to blow your eardrums on Dec 21, 2012.
There is a new artist I wanted you guys to be aware of and hit up his facebook page because he is going to be blowing up the scene at those shows as well. His name is Selfmade and he is one of the hottest new Hip Hop artists in Lubbock, TX. I am currently working with him to get a compelation CD put together for sale at those shows. So check out his Facebook and Reverb and check out what he has going on!
Also appearing on those shows is a group called black project productions. This is made up by 2 guys named 806 Outlaw and his homie Narkotix. They will be putting it down representing the 806! Last but not least my homie Sikone aka Mickey Mangles will be in the house with his group Sik Made Killas. So come out and check out these shows. They are all going to be hype and well worth the cost involved.
Get out and support the local music in your communities. If there are any artists you would like me to listen to and give a review let me know.
MMFWCL,
Juggalotus
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Secrets to being a promoter
So I was thinking the other day, why is it so difficult for someone to be a promoter for local shows? After giving it some thought I decided I would share the secrets I have learned so far to make any promoter trustworthy, honest, and successful. Here is what I have learned:
1. Communicate! This should be self explanatory but just in case it isn't let me clarify. In order to have a successful show you, the venue, the ticket agents, and your openers need to know what is going on. If something changes with the show everyone needs to know! Make sure you have a list of people you need to talk with.
2. Organization. If you have great organization nothing slips through the cracks. You should have your show lineup out at least a month in advance so the artists know when they are supposed to be there to perform. Most artists no matter what level of success like to prepare to be on stage. If they are at the venue and have no clue when they are to perform they become very upset. Sure there might be set backs like last minute cancellations or delays in starting the show. If a group or artist drops out everyone gets moved up in the lineup. And everyone should be made aware of the change as soon as possible!
3. Trust and honesty. Simple answer to this is not to lie or screw people over to cover your investment. There is risk in doing shows. Whatever you invest, you might not get back. If you do not promote the show right or neglect to take care of people you will not have a successful show and you WILL lose money. Once you work with people and they know you can be trusted they will want to work with you again. Also if there is an opener that does not meet your expectations talk to them. If they fail to bring ticket sales, promote, or perform well then don't keep giving them spots on your show!
4. Do not charge people to perform. As local bands or artists go it takes a lot of investment on their part to make music and be successful, thus you should not charge them to perform at your show. The one exception to this would be booking a major tour or show (aka major record labels or artists). And then the fee should be as minimal as possible. I have found that by giving slots to those who pay will make sub par artists perform at your show. And as a music fan if I go to a concert and the openers are absolutely horrible I am less likely to see another show promoted by the same person. You can have your openers buy a certain number of tickets (10-20) and then it is up to them to sell them and make their money back. Any tickets sold over that amount the artists should receive a portion of the sales (usually $1-3per ticket). If you do this the need for you to charge artists will not be there and you will not only get a full show but your openers will hustle harder to make it successful.
5. Be nice. Now don't be a pushover but understand that every person involved in the show is there to make you money. So be nice to them! It isn't that hard to hang out with your openers or anyone else for that matter.
6. Live up to your promises. Make the venue/headliners payments when they need to be paid. Don't ask for more time. If you can't afford to do a show, don't! Sometimes doing 3-4 big shows a year is better than doing 3-4 crappy shows a month.
7. Promote. Do not rely on anyone else to promote the show. It is your money. So relying on your openers or the booker from the tour to do promotion is not what you need to do. If you are unwilling or unable to give the time needed to hit the ground yourself then do not promote or book shows. For every minute your openers are out promoting and selling tickets you should be out there at least double but most likely triple that.
I know it seems easy to be a promoter but I can tell you it isn't. It is super stressful, very complicated, and in many cases a complete toss up for a profit. That is why if you do not love doing it you shouldn't. I know some major labels and they have lists of promoters/bookers they will not work with. Many of these are for reasons I have stated here. If a major booker constantly comes to a city and gets screwed they will stop coming to that city. Now I am not saying I am an expert at all. I only am telling you what I know from my experience. So take it for what it's worth.
Remember when we were little we had the Golden Rule: Treat others how you want to be treated. That holds true to this day. If you do these things and follow that rule there is absolutely no reason you can't be successful.
Peace,
Juggalotus
1. Communicate! This should be self explanatory but just in case it isn't let me clarify. In order to have a successful show you, the venue, the ticket agents, and your openers need to know what is going on. If something changes with the show everyone needs to know! Make sure you have a list of people you need to talk with.
2. Organization. If you have great organization nothing slips through the cracks. You should have your show lineup out at least a month in advance so the artists know when they are supposed to be there to perform. Most artists no matter what level of success like to prepare to be on stage. If they are at the venue and have no clue when they are to perform they become very upset. Sure there might be set backs like last minute cancellations or delays in starting the show. If a group or artist drops out everyone gets moved up in the lineup. And everyone should be made aware of the change as soon as possible!
3. Trust and honesty. Simple answer to this is not to lie or screw people over to cover your investment. There is risk in doing shows. Whatever you invest, you might not get back. If you do not promote the show right or neglect to take care of people you will not have a successful show and you WILL lose money. Once you work with people and they know you can be trusted they will want to work with you again. Also if there is an opener that does not meet your expectations talk to them. If they fail to bring ticket sales, promote, or perform well then don't keep giving them spots on your show!
4. Do not charge people to perform. As local bands or artists go it takes a lot of investment on their part to make music and be successful, thus you should not charge them to perform at your show. The one exception to this would be booking a major tour or show (aka major record labels or artists). And then the fee should be as minimal as possible. I have found that by giving slots to those who pay will make sub par artists perform at your show. And as a music fan if I go to a concert and the openers are absolutely horrible I am less likely to see another show promoted by the same person. You can have your openers buy a certain number of tickets (10-20) and then it is up to them to sell them and make their money back. Any tickets sold over that amount the artists should receive a portion of the sales (usually $1-3per ticket). If you do this the need for you to charge artists will not be there and you will not only get a full show but your openers will hustle harder to make it successful.
5. Be nice. Now don't be a pushover but understand that every person involved in the show is there to make you money. So be nice to them! It isn't that hard to hang out with your openers or anyone else for that matter.
6. Live up to your promises. Make the venue/headliners payments when they need to be paid. Don't ask for more time. If you can't afford to do a show, don't! Sometimes doing 3-4 big shows a year is better than doing 3-4 crappy shows a month.
7. Promote. Do not rely on anyone else to promote the show. It is your money. So relying on your openers or the booker from the tour to do promotion is not what you need to do. If you are unwilling or unable to give the time needed to hit the ground yourself then do not promote or book shows. For every minute your openers are out promoting and selling tickets you should be out there at least double but most likely triple that.
I know it seems easy to be a promoter but I can tell you it isn't. It is super stressful, very complicated, and in many cases a complete toss up for a profit. That is why if you do not love doing it you shouldn't. I know some major labels and they have lists of promoters/bookers they will not work with. Many of these are for reasons I have stated here. If a major booker constantly comes to a city and gets screwed they will stop coming to that city. Now I am not saying I am an expert at all. I only am telling you what I know from my experience. So take it for what it's worth.
Remember when we were little we had the Golden Rule: Treat others how you want to be treated. That holds true to this day. If you do these things and follow that rule there is absolutely no reason you can't be successful.
Peace,
Juggalotus
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
The Amarillo Variety show
Last night was the Amarillo variety show in Amarillo, TX. Draztik the Terrible had to perform so he and I left Clovis, NM and headed out there, it is about an hour and a half or so. We got in around 5:30 Texas time and headed to our homie 806 Outlaw's house to kick it before the show. We hung out there until about 7 and headed to the venue for the show. When we got there we met up with the promoter and got our wristbands. Then it was a waiting game. We met a ton of cool homies there. Dmize came in from New Mexico which was a good time. It was all good until the chaos started!
First thing is that the promoter kept switching the lineup around. Draztik was supposed to go on first. Then he was moved to forth. Then he got bumped to fifth. Then finally he went on 8th. Everyone else was a part of the artist shuffle as I call it. No one knew when they were supposed to perform. Through most of the sets the artists either couldn't hear themselves cause the mic volume was to low or it was to high so when they went in front of a speaker there was massive feedback. I hope this was a one time fluke and not an accurate interpretation of how the promoter works as we have a few more shows to do for them.
Draztik did much better this show. He had more confidence on the mic. He also performed our newest track Love me/Hate me and it was live that's for sure. 806 Outlaw ripped the mic but his hypeman got a little too drunk and kept forgetting his verses and such. Dmize killed it and wore himself out in the process. There was a death metal band which was a definite change of pace. Some local more mainstream hip hop which sounded as you would expect. And of course the headliners Born Wicked did their thing and ended the show on a high note.
Tomorrow we are headed back out to Amarillo to a MC showcase, hosted by Sir Johnson Himself we got invited to. Draztik will perform again and will tear the roof off it again no doubt. Sir Johnson is a cool dude and I look forward to working with him in the future.
Not much else to report. There was a lot of performers but not a lot of fans but what do you expect on a Tuesday night! If there are any underground, mainstream, or any artist that would like a good honest review of your work let me know and I will check it out and post it here on the blog!
Thats it fam I am outta here!
Juggalotus
Saturday, June 9, 2012
WB making moves in Texas!
So Wed I made it to the studio again with Dratik the Terrible. We did a track called Love me/Hate me. It is the latest in a long line of hot tracks we have produced in the studio so check it out! While in Lubbock I also met with Mickey Mangles aka Sikone to work out some contract details. Nothing is official and in ink yet but look for a huge post soon about that situation. While there I also met with a new artist named Selfmade. He gave me two CD's to check out and I hope to have some more details about him in the near future.
Now as Wicked Butterfly moves forward there are some huge releases on the horizon. Be on the lookout in the near future for a huge mixtape called the WB Boyz. This will include every artist signed to Wicked Butterfly Entertainment. It will be the worlds first introduction to the company and artists that I am bringing to the world. The Southwest has been slept on and that is all about to change. Then later in the year look for the debut release for Draztik the Terrible called Between heaven and hell. That will be released at the end of the year and will destroy any ideas you might have of the wicked shit. Mickey Mangles is currently working on new material but be on the lookout for a full release of Refried Beans, his most current release which gives a great look at his career both solo and a part of the groups Tierrosos and Sik Made Killas. He is also going out on the Blackout Tour with S.M.K. this summer so check him out as he comes to your city. Selfmade is in the studio as well making new tracks for your earholes. So be on the lookout for all that flavor in the next few months.
Thats the news as only I can give it. I will say if you are an artist or promoter looking to book any of these guys hit me up! They are all available for collabs and any shows you want them at.
MMFWCL,
Juggalotus
Now as Wicked Butterfly moves forward there are some huge releases on the horizon. Be on the lookout in the near future for a huge mixtape called the WB Boyz. This will include every artist signed to Wicked Butterfly Entertainment. It will be the worlds first introduction to the company and artists that I am bringing to the world. The Southwest has been slept on and that is all about to change. Then later in the year look for the debut release for Draztik the Terrible called Between heaven and hell. That will be released at the end of the year and will destroy any ideas you might have of the wicked shit. Mickey Mangles is currently working on new material but be on the lookout for a full release of Refried Beans, his most current release which gives a great look at his career both solo and a part of the groups Tierrosos and Sik Made Killas. He is also going out on the Blackout Tour with S.M.K. this summer so check him out as he comes to your city. Selfmade is in the studio as well making new tracks for your earholes. So be on the lookout for all that flavor in the next few months.
Thats the news as only I can give it. I will say if you are an artist or promoter looking to book any of these guys hit me up! They are all available for collabs and any shows you want them at.
MMFWCL,
Juggalotus
Thursday, June 7, 2012
First ever reader submitted artist for review, Mr?E
On Facebook yesterday I asked for anyone to send me mix tapes, links, etc and I would give an honest review of what I listened to. Well a guy named Benjamin Michaels wrote to me and wanted me to review his homie Mr?E's music off reverb. Mr?E was at last years Gathering and will be performing on the second stage at this years Gathering of the Juggalos.
Here is a brief history of the artist:
Mr?E is an upcoming artist from Kenai/Wasilla Alaska. He has been rapping since he was 14 perfecting his style of various genres of rap,In 2010 he moved to North California to further pursue his rap career, Mr?E now records in Sacramento CA and has gone full boar on his music and remains unsigned for now...
Now on his Reverb account he has 7 tracks to listen to. So here is the list and my thought from a manager/producers standpoint:
1. STFU Feat Dejangles- Overall this track is very well produced and written. I had my reservations due to the fact the track name is identical to one of my favorite Potluck tracks, but it is nothing like that. This track has a very catchy hook, great lyrics, nice beats, and shows he has obvious comfort on the mic. It has a Juggalo family oriented theme while being a self promotion track. All in all a good first track to listen to.
2. Young Wild and Free Feat. Mamalette- This is his remake of the popular Wiz Khalifa track Feat Snoop Dogg. The biggest problem I have with this track is it's lack of originality. He jacks the music and modified the lyrics, but I do not know if he got authorization to do so, and I have issue with that. While it is a nice change of pace from the first track I wish he had created his own track, music, and hook.
3. W4 (Waging War With Words)- The beats in this track are banging. I love the hook. Once again a very self promotion track which is alright as long as that's not all you rap about. Rap needs to say something, speak from the heart. The hook has great energy but the verses themselves could use the same level of energy. They fell flat in comparison.
4. Stop- This track has an awesome piano lead in which sets up verses containing quick but legible rhymes. That is important because some people can rap fast but if the listener cannot understand what is being said the lyric will fall on deaf ears. This is not one of those tracks. Great vibe and levels make this very enjoyable.
5. Spuratic- This is the shortest track on the page and unfortunately falls into the category I just talked about. He is rapping a million miles a minute and I can't understand a single word of it.
6. Doin Great- This track has a very feel good vibe to it. It starts out with an old school backing and music and continues throughout the track. The lyrics are nice and clear and the music totally sells the track. Great song.
7. Get Down- Next to Spuratic this is my least favorite track on the page. Great beat but that is the highlight. The lyrics are lackluster and the verses lack any energy what-so-ever.
All in all Mr?E is worth a listen. I think his style would appeal to a wide variety of listeners. Nice to see an underground rapper who isn't afraid to take chances with tracks like Doin Great. I also like the fact he has a mix of fast paced lyrics and slower stuff as well. It shows he has good diversity and ability. As for recommendation, I would say check him out http://www.reverbnation.com/Enonomuss
MMFWCL,
Juggalotus
Wicked Butterfly Entertainment
http://www.reverbnation.com/enonomuss
Here is a brief history of the artist:
Mr?E is an upcoming artist from Kenai/Wasilla Alaska. He has been rapping since he was 14 perfecting his style of various genres of rap,In 2010 he moved to North California to further pursue his rap career, Mr?E now records in Sacramento CA and has gone full boar on his music and remains unsigned for now...
Now on his Reverb account he has 7 tracks to listen to. So here is the list and my thought from a manager/producers standpoint:
1. STFU Feat Dejangles- Overall this track is very well produced and written. I had my reservations due to the fact the track name is identical to one of my favorite Potluck tracks, but it is nothing like that. This track has a very catchy hook, great lyrics, nice beats, and shows he has obvious comfort on the mic. It has a Juggalo family oriented theme while being a self promotion track. All in all a good first track to listen to.
2. Young Wild and Free Feat. Mamalette- This is his remake of the popular Wiz Khalifa track Feat Snoop Dogg. The biggest problem I have with this track is it's lack of originality. He jacks the music and modified the lyrics, but I do not know if he got authorization to do so, and I have issue with that. While it is a nice change of pace from the first track I wish he had created his own track, music, and hook.
3. W4 (Waging War With Words)- The beats in this track are banging. I love the hook. Once again a very self promotion track which is alright as long as that's not all you rap about. Rap needs to say something, speak from the heart. The hook has great energy but the verses themselves could use the same level of energy. They fell flat in comparison.
4. Stop- This track has an awesome piano lead in which sets up verses containing quick but legible rhymes. That is important because some people can rap fast but if the listener cannot understand what is being said the lyric will fall on deaf ears. This is not one of those tracks. Great vibe and levels make this very enjoyable.
5. Spuratic- This is the shortest track on the page and unfortunately falls into the category I just talked about. He is rapping a million miles a minute and I can't understand a single word of it.
6. Doin Great- This track has a very feel good vibe to it. It starts out with an old school backing and music and continues throughout the track. The lyrics are nice and clear and the music totally sells the track. Great song.
7. Get Down- Next to Spuratic this is my least favorite track on the page. Great beat but that is the highlight. The lyrics are lackluster and the verses lack any energy what-so-ever.
All in all Mr?E is worth a listen. I think his style would appeal to a wide variety of listeners. Nice to see an underground rapper who isn't afraid to take chances with tracks like Doin Great. I also like the fact he has a mix of fast paced lyrics and slower stuff as well. It shows he has good diversity and ability. As for recommendation, I would say check him out http://www.reverbnation.com/Enonomuss
MMFWCL,
Juggalotus
Wicked Butterfly Entertainment
http://www.reverbnation.com/enonomuss
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Money or Love
I had an interesting conversation with an artist last night and it got me thinking. This guy was willing to drop everything at a moments notice to get on a bus and go anywhere in the US to perform a show. He said it and I really didn't think to much at the time but since we talked it really hit me, this guy must love what he is doing. Which brings me to the point of the blog, Are people in the music business for love or money? I know it is the age old question but I think if people truely love it both can happen.
There are so many rappers/musicians out now that it seems hard to find a "real" artist. By real I mean someone who isn't in it for that one huge hit to make a fortune and then put out crap the rest of their career (Most studio-made rappers coming out now). I mean the guy who is on the grind daily. Willing to work a fulltime job during the day, hit the studio at night, and in between find time to go inside themselves to write music from their heart. Plenty of rappers go to their home studio daily, record meaningless track after track, and release a monthly free mixtape. They spend all their energy focused on the wrong things and never really go inside themselves to write from the heart. One of the major things that draws people to your music is the fact they connect emotionally to what you are saying. Yes I do understand you have to have the "fun" thoughtless track (Who let the dogs out, Whoop there it is, etc) but if all you are making is fluff music you will never gain that huge following you want. If I think back to the great tracks from when I was growing up I immediately think of tracks like F*** the police and Keep ya head up Why do these stand out, well they say something! They have a purpose and meaning. They were written from experience and from the heart. Outside of rap you have groups like Staind who write songs that hit those heartstrings and transport you to the place they were when it was written. Those songs stick with us.
I have had a lot of artists hit me up wanting me to check out their music and help them promote what they are doing. I listen to each and every one and am willing to work with anyone if I feel like they have something good and meaningful to give the music business. If I listen to a track and it sounds fake or not "real" I am not going to help you promote your stuff. I have said several times in my blog here that if you want honesty hit me up. People need to start being honest with themselves and anyone else who asks for their opinion. If your music is not good I am gonna tell you. If there is potential and I can tell you have the drive I am gonna tell you too. Why is this so important? Well if I put my integrity behind a project and it fails, I fail. If I take on an artist who doesn't have the drive or will to succeed, I won't succeed. We are all in the business to make money. Sure I could back every artist that hits me up and promote the hell out of em but in the end I would not be giving it my heart! There it is! Just like those who make music the promoters/managers/bookers all have to have give heart and believe in the projects too. If not everyone involved will fail.
What would you rather have money or love? I say when it comes to music you can have both. Don't sell yourself short. Don't go to the studio if you have nothing to say. Don't be afraid to dig into painful, happy, sad, fun, awesome memories to write your music. If your genre is horrocore and you can't dig the inner psycho out of yourself it comes across as fake. Don't be afraid to write the next track which shows you have a softer side, people appreciate the diversity in music. All you musicians are people too, don't get caught up in living and looking like a superstar. If you are true to yourself you will get everything you want. You will not have to choose between love for music and making money. If you are Real with people you will be successful. No one is ever successful by being fake or screwing other people.
I am outta here!
Juggalotus
There are so many rappers/musicians out now that it seems hard to find a "real" artist. By real I mean someone who isn't in it for that one huge hit to make a fortune and then put out crap the rest of their career (Most studio-made rappers coming out now). I mean the guy who is on the grind daily. Willing to work a fulltime job during the day, hit the studio at night, and in between find time to go inside themselves to write music from their heart. Plenty of rappers go to their home studio daily, record meaningless track after track, and release a monthly free mixtape. They spend all their energy focused on the wrong things and never really go inside themselves to write from the heart. One of the major things that draws people to your music is the fact they connect emotionally to what you are saying. Yes I do understand you have to have the "fun" thoughtless track (Who let the dogs out, Whoop there it is, etc) but if all you are making is fluff music you will never gain that huge following you want. If I think back to the great tracks from when I was growing up I immediately think of tracks like F*** the police and Keep ya head up Why do these stand out, well they say something! They have a purpose and meaning. They were written from experience and from the heart. Outside of rap you have groups like Staind who write songs that hit those heartstrings and transport you to the place they were when it was written. Those songs stick with us.
I have had a lot of artists hit me up wanting me to check out their music and help them promote what they are doing. I listen to each and every one and am willing to work with anyone if I feel like they have something good and meaningful to give the music business. If I listen to a track and it sounds fake or not "real" I am not going to help you promote your stuff. I have said several times in my blog here that if you want honesty hit me up. People need to start being honest with themselves and anyone else who asks for their opinion. If your music is not good I am gonna tell you. If there is potential and I can tell you have the drive I am gonna tell you too. Why is this so important? Well if I put my integrity behind a project and it fails, I fail. If I take on an artist who doesn't have the drive or will to succeed, I won't succeed. We are all in the business to make money. Sure I could back every artist that hits me up and promote the hell out of em but in the end I would not be giving it my heart! There it is! Just like those who make music the promoters/managers/bookers all have to have give heart and believe in the projects too. If not everyone involved will fail.
What would you rather have money or love? I say when it comes to music you can have both. Don't sell yourself short. Don't go to the studio if you have nothing to say. Don't be afraid to dig into painful, happy, sad, fun, awesome memories to write your music. If your genre is horrocore and you can't dig the inner psycho out of yourself it comes across as fake. Don't be afraid to write the next track which shows you have a softer side, people appreciate the diversity in music. All you musicians are people too, don't get caught up in living and looking like a superstar. If you are true to yourself you will get everything you want. You will not have to choose between love for music and making money. If you are Real with people you will be successful. No one is ever successful by being fake or screwing other people.
I am outta here!
Juggalotus
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Success Vs EGO
So I have been thinking about the local rap scene here in New Mexico and West Texas. Here is what I think:
I have met a lot of local rappers recently, some good at what
they do, and some horrible. The one
thing I have noticed though is that every rapper or group is walking around
thinking they are the absolute best thing going, when really they are a small
fish in a huge pond. Maybe it is the
lack of spine these rappers’ so-called “friends” or girlfriends have. No matter what, those close to him never want
to tell the guy he really isn’t that good or “it’s good but I think if you did
this, it might sound better.” Then there
is the fact that every local rap group around here has their own “record label,”
even though a majority of them mix tracks in their basements or garages. Now I am not saying that aspiring to own your
own tracks and put out your own stuff is a bad thing, but if your back room is
where you have recorded for the past eight years and all you do is release free
mix-tapes, then you should probably reconsider what you are doing. You’re not getting anywhere! And a majority of the major names in the
underground will not work with you if you do not have professional studio time
and tracks put in; they want to work with professionals, that’s just the way it
is.
Another problem I see is that most artists want to manage
themselves. That’s not always bad
because it can save you money in the beginning, but if you ever want to get
further in your career, you have to focus on making tracks, not on when and
where your next show is going to be or how you are going to set up a good
collab. I don’t understand how any good artist
can lay down tracks plus find and book shows, set up good contacts/rapport with
other artists, keep track of finances, promote their music, etc., all at the same
time! There is absolutely no reason, if
you are serious about making it in this business, that you should not have a
manager who knows about the business side of your music career. He or she should have your back with
everything except your actual job: writing and performing the music! It’s sad to see so many aspiring artists out
there, trying to do it all and succeeding at nothing.
Of course, there are a ton of crappy promoters and bookers
out here as well. In a previous post, I
have talked about the Pay-to-Play mentality that seems to be so prevalent in my
part of the country, the southwest. Let
me say once again that NO ARTIST SHOULD HAVE TO PAY TO OPEN A LOCAL SHOW! Sure,
an exception would be a major act (I’m talking someone like Snoop, Jay-Z,
etc). However, for an underground act,
someone that isn’t big and famous nationwide, you should not be willing to pay
for a slot on the show. You are helping
the booker/promoter fill their show! If
they want you to sell five or ten tickets to the show, okay cool. But remember that most good promoters will
give you a cut of your personal ticket sales; that way you are getting paid to
perform instead of paying the promoter’s bills.
Also, be careful of all the promoters/bookers down here that book a lot
of shows and then end up canceling almost all of them. You need to surround yourself with people you
can trust, meaning people who want to help you succeed. If you perform with the same six acts every
other week and there are no new faces in the crowd, you need to rethink working
with those promoters/bookers, because you are not succeeding. Those people should be booking you with other
acts that attract new people to the show.
Because some things I do know as a booker/promoter: if the audience
never grows, you are soon out of business; if you screw over bigger labels in
your genre, you will not get bigger acts coming in; and if you do not get and
maintain contacts, you shouldn’t be in the business, because it’s who you know,
not just how hard you work.
You guys might be asking why I am going off a bit; well, the
past week has opened my eyes from a manager, booker, promoter, and business
standpoint. There are so many people in
this business who have no idea what they are doing. Now I am no expert, but I do have a good head
for business and how things should be done.
I have maintained positive contacts and expanded my business 10 times
over, just this year. And I just started
doing this full time in January.
As a manager, I take pride in making sure my artists make
great tracks. Sometimes I have to tell
them the track sucks and they need to rework it. They understand that I am not doing it to kill
their studio budget; I am doing it because if they make great music and become
a huge star, I am going to get paid. As
much as they want to make it in the business, I want them to succeed. If I put time and effort into a project and
it fails, I am not going to get any money and ultimately I want to make this
business my career! I also believe in
honesty. Most people don’t believe you
can be honest and succeed in this business. I disagree.
The only thing that can make you successful is being honest. If you are not, then most people will work
with you only once or twice before they get tired of getting screwed over. Also, if you never hear any negative, you
will have an inflated idea of your own worth and abilities. Someone should be in your crew that keeps you
grounded.
For all of you artists, please please please understand that,
unless you are selling out arenas, you still have to be on the grind! Just because you are headlining in one city
does not mean you are known at all in cities within driving distance of you!! If you have only performed one or two shows,
you are not ready for stage theatrics and world tours. Respect and notoriety in this business are
earned; nothing is ever given to you.
Yes, I realize you pack 80-100 people at your shows in your city; most
of them are your homies and friends, and once you get 100 miles from home, you
are still unknown. Like I said earlier,
if you have the same faces in the crowd, you are doing it wrong. Don’t let local success give you a nationwide
ego.
Now don't get me wrong I have met some great people down here who are doing all the right things. Those are the people I would love to work with in the future, you know who you are ;) If anything in this post offended you then you would be the ones I don't want to work with. It's all underground family love!
That’s
it! I am done.
MMFWCL,
Juggalotus
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