In case you aren't subscribed to TMG's Radio Girl Blog...here is the link to check out our first 'staff picks' for alternative rock. There is something for everyone in regards to sound and style. I really love the high energy of The Fab Rudies...but you can't go wrong with the more traditional alternative rock sound of We The People. And if you are a fan of Explosions in the Sky...you have to check out Pollock. Really good stuff! More 'staff picks' coming each week so stay tuned...and go check out some great music!
http://tmgradiogirl.tumblr.com/post/2685457712/happy-monday-as-promised-i-have-our-first-staff
Showing posts with label music blog. Show all posts
Showing posts with label music blog. Show all posts
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Sunday, May 10, 2009
tate music group...not the same ol' sock-hop
Dylan said it...'the times they are a changing.' He wasn't talking about the music industry...but I am. I am constantly amazed at the changes and decisions happening on a weekly, and sometimes daily, basis. It seems that as soon as I get through with the articles, etc, from this week...they change and redirect so you never really know which way you are heading.
To be honest, I love it. Granted, I don't love things like that in any other area of my life but with my work in the music industry, I love it. I think it is because I see what we are doing on a daily basis here at Tate Music Group and it fascinates me to see what everyone else is doing or not doing to try and stay afloat, musically and financially.
One of the areas that is constantly changing and cannot be overlooked is the marketing and promotion of music. More specifically, the social marketing/networking side of music. This is something that we talk about all the time. I am constantly talking to potential artists about the importance of having a network of people that you are in contact/connection with so they can know the music, vision, and person of you as an artist.
In our internet society, the social networking culture is vital if you want to have any chance of making it. Why? Well, the old school way of 'pushing' an artist is going away...faster than anyone could have expected. Instead, the 'pushing' comes from the viral and grassroots marketing that can be helped, immensely, by social networking sites like myspace, facebook, and twitter.
One question that might come up is, "Why bother with it?" Well, it all comes down to connection with the listener. Music is an emotional thing. It can help you heal, forget, grow, laugh, relax, or rock...depending on what is on your playlist. Because of that, an artist needs to not only write/perform good music that connects with the listener but they need to keep that connection alive by letting the listener in on a little piece of who they are...or even what they are doing.
Who cares what Taylor Swift is getting at Baskin Robbins? Well, for starters, the thousands and thousands of followers she has on facebook and twitter alone. I am sure that Taylor doesn't always want to share everything...and she doesn't have to. But, as a very smart business-woman, she (or her people) realizes the importance of her letting everyone know that her favorite flavor is cappucino white chocolate chunk with blue sprinkles (just a guess).
You see, when Taylor posts or tweets about her favorite ice cream, her followers/fans know that little piece about her and they probably go and try that very same flavor...which is good for Baskin Robbins. Now, when Taylor mentions (or tweets) that her new album is coming out on pre-sale in 1 week...she has no problem getting those ice cream junkies to go buy the album. It is new-marketing at its finest.
Now for most artists (who aren't on the same level as Taylor Swift), this marketing can and should happen...just on a smaller scale. This is one of the things Tate Music Group focuses on as we work with our artists. You have to realize the importance of getting and staying connected to the people that loved your concert and the EP they got from your table. Now, you have to make sure that they stay connected and informed about new concerts and the upcoming release of your album...so they can go get it as soon as possible and 'be the first.'
And it wouldn't hurt to let everyone what your flavor is...
Monday, April 27, 2009
tate music group...setting our own price
I received this information from some of our Executive Staff. I have to say, when I read it, I was blown away. Not by the facts and numbers that are presented...I knew what to expect there. I was blown away by the candid-ness of this author...willing to share her 'fortunes' (or misfortunes) with anyone who is willing to read them.
Now, you may say, "What does a book deal have to do with my music career/contract?" A lot. Yes they are different in subject/product but not in nature. The basic principle has always been the same for the publisher/label - get as much as you can out of the 'artist'...and then get some more.
Please hear me...I am not trying to say that individuals or companies are crooks, cheats, etc...I am, however, saying that the system that has been in place for a long, long time is not friendly or warm to the artists (or authors) who create the brilliance they sell.
At Tate Music Group, our vision and purpose is to change this model and mindset. We want to be more concerned with working together with our artists, side by side, instead of walking on their backs to get to the end goal. Success usually comes with a price...but Tate Music Group (and Tate Publishing) are not willing to pay the same types of ethical costs that have plagued this industry for so long.
Instead, we are setting our own price...and the outcome is gain.
Here is the article:
Now, you may say, "What does a book deal have to do with my music career/contract?" A lot. Yes they are different in subject/product but not in nature. The basic principle has always been the same for the publisher/label - get as much as you can out of the 'artist'...and then get some more.
Please hear me...I am not trying to say that individuals or companies are crooks, cheats, etc...I am, however, saying that the system that has been in place for a long, long time is not friendly or warm to the artists (or authors) who create the brilliance they sell.
At Tate Music Group, our vision and purpose is to change this model and mindset. We want to be more concerned with working together with our artists, side by side, instead of walking on their backs to get to the end goal. Success usually comes with a price...but Tate Music Group (and Tate Publishing) are not willing to pay the same types of ethical costs that have plagued this industry for so long.
Instead, we are setting our own price...and the outcome is gain.
Here is the article:
A few years ago I made a promise to my writer friends that if I ever had a novel hit the top twenty of the New York Times mass market bestseller list that I would share all the information I was given about the book so writers could really see what it takes to get there. Today I’m going to keep that promise and give you the stats on my sixth Darkyn novel, Twilight Fall.
Here is the first royalty statement for Twilight Fall, on which I’ve only blanked out Penguin Group’s address. Everything else is exactly as I’ve listed it. To give you a condensed version of what all those figures mean, for the sale period of July through November 30, 2008. my publisher reports sales of 64,925 books, for which my royalties were $40,484.00. I didn’t get credit for all those sales, as 21,140 book credits were held back as a reserve against possible future returns, for which they subtracted $13,512.69 (these are not lost sales; I’m simply not given credit for them until the publisher decides to release them, which takes anywhere from one to three years.)
My net earnings on this statement was $27,721.31, which was deducted from my advance. My actual earnings from this statement was $0.
My advance for Twilight Fall was $50,000.00, a third of which I did not get paid until the book physically hit the shelf — this is now a common practice by publishers, to withhold a portion of the advance until date of publication. Of that $50K, my agent received $7,500.00 as her 15% (which she earns, believe me) the government received roughly $15,000.00, and $1594.27 went to cover my expenses (office supplies, blog giveaways, shipping, promotion, etc.) After expenses and everyone else was paid, I netted about $26K of my $50K advance for this book, which is believe it or not very good — most authors are lucky if they can make 10% profit on any book. This should also shut up everyone who says all bestselling authors make millions — most of us don’t.
Just as a side note - if this author would have worked with our parent company, Tate Publishing...the net earnings would have been almost 4 times as much. Just FYI.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
tate music group...a busy new year
November and December were very busy times for me. I mean, you had Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, not to mention about 20 'dirty santa' parties to attend. I still don't know what I am going to do with a ceramic tea pitcher shaped like a duck.
So January should be a great relief, a slow down from the hustle and bustle of the holiday months, right? Not hardly. I think this month is proving to be just as busy as the last two...and its really disrupting my sleep patterns. Maybe January is a bit hectic because a new year brings new excitement and new possibilities? I'll buy that. I think that is very true.
At Tate Music Group, there are a lot of new exciting events, plans, and possibilities. One exciting plan is the growth and increase of Tate Music Group. In the past year, we have doubled our staff and created a movement that is already starting to knock the doors off of the music industry. This coming year, we will again be doubling, perhaps tripling, the size of our staff as well as our distribution and other marketing tools. It is a very exciting time to be a part of Tate Music Group.
Unlike other companies who try and maintain in order to keep afloat, Tate Music Group seeks to expand and grow because of the success, strong leadership, and smart choices we have made to get where we are. It is because of these aggressive moves and plans we are able to grow and set the standard for how artists should be treated and partnered with.
One of the major events, which I have mentioned before, is our Artist of the Year Contest. We are already collecting the many, many song entries we will receive...and this is just the beginning. What I have noticed is just how many great artists we have. How will anyone judge and narrow those down? There are so many great songs, all competing for one grand prize. That's a wonderful problem to have...I'm just glad it isn't up to me.
So, I guess I'll try and get some rest when I can and realize that all the hard work and extra hours will be worth it...especially when I see the satisfaction on the faces of our artists. At Tate Music Group, we want our artists to know that we are fully committed to helping them succeed...because when they succeed, we succeed.
This truly is a great partnership...and this will definitely be a great year.
So January should be a great relief, a slow down from the hustle and bustle of the holiday months, right? Not hardly. I think this month is proving to be just as busy as the last two...and its really disrupting my sleep patterns. Maybe January is a bit hectic because a new year brings new excitement and new possibilities? I'll buy that. I think that is very true.
At Tate Music Group, there are a lot of new exciting events, plans, and possibilities. One exciting plan is the growth and increase of Tate Music Group. In the past year, we have doubled our staff and created a movement that is already starting to knock the doors off of the music industry. This coming year, we will again be doubling, perhaps tripling, the size of our staff as well as our distribution and other marketing tools. It is a very exciting time to be a part of Tate Music Group.
Unlike other companies who try and maintain in order to keep afloat, Tate Music Group seeks to expand and grow because of the success, strong leadership, and smart choices we have made to get where we are. It is because of these aggressive moves and plans we are able to grow and set the standard for how artists should be treated and partnered with.
One of the major events, which I have mentioned before, is our Artist of the Year Contest. We are already collecting the many, many song entries we will receive...and this is just the beginning. What I have noticed is just how many great artists we have. How will anyone judge and narrow those down? There are so many great songs, all competing for one grand prize. That's a wonderful problem to have...I'm just glad it isn't up to me.
So, I guess I'll try and get some rest when I can and realize that all the hard work and extra hours will be worth it...especially when I see the satisfaction on the faces of our artists. At Tate Music Group, we want our artists to know that we are fully committed to helping them succeed...because when they succeed, we succeed.
This truly is a great partnership...and this will definitely be a great year.
Monday, November 10, 2008
tate music group...a cover story
I had an artist the other day ask me about cover songs. His purpose for the question was to find out if Tate Music Group produced albums with cover songs on them. The answer to that question is no...not because we don't like them...we just want to focus on the original music our artists write and produce.
Just because Tate Music Group doesn't normally produce them doesn't mean that our artists can't practice and perform them. Sometimes, a well placed, well performed cover can completely win an audience. Why? I'm sure there are a lot of reasons. Here are a few. Cover songs (as long as they aren't too off-the-wall) are easily recognizable. They bring an element of comfort and familiarity. Cover songs are also, quite often, very singable. In fact, many popular cover songs are big karaoke hits. Cover songs also help the audience to forget they don't know your songs as well, if at all. A good mixture of cover songs will allow the audience to lump everything together, the familiar and the unfamiliar. Hopefully, if all the music was well written and performed, your CDs on the back table will sell out and, inevitably, there will be a huge demand for the live, bootleg album of you performing the theme song to 'Dukes of Hazzard.'
This conversation, and this post, has caused me to think about the songs that I would cover if I were to ever get back to playing gigs. It is a short list. I have taken into account the fact that I rarely hear anyone cover these songs...and I think some cool things could be added to each one. Please feel free to leave me your lists for comparison. Enjoy.
1. 'Sound of Silence' - Simon and Garfunkel
2. 'Shameless' - Garth Brooks
3. 'Losing My Religion' - REM
4. 'Water Runs Dry' - Boyz 2 Men
5. 'Power of Love' - Huey Lewis and the News
Just because Tate Music Group doesn't normally produce them doesn't mean that our artists can't practice and perform them. Sometimes, a well placed, well performed cover can completely win an audience. Why? I'm sure there are a lot of reasons. Here are a few. Cover songs (as long as they aren't too off-the-wall) are easily recognizable. They bring an element of comfort and familiarity. Cover songs are also, quite often, very singable. In fact, many popular cover songs are big karaoke hits. Cover songs also help the audience to forget they don't know your songs as well, if at all. A good mixture of cover songs will allow the audience to lump everything together, the familiar and the unfamiliar. Hopefully, if all the music was well written and performed, your CDs on the back table will sell out and, inevitably, there will be a huge demand for the live, bootleg album of you performing the theme song to 'Dukes of Hazzard.'
This conversation, and this post, has caused me to think about the songs that I would cover if I were to ever get back to playing gigs. It is a short list. I have taken into account the fact that I rarely hear anyone cover these songs...and I think some cool things could be added to each one. Please feel free to leave me your lists for comparison. Enjoy.
1. 'Sound of Silence' - Simon and Garfunkel
2. 'Shameless' - Garth Brooks
3. 'Losing My Religion' - REM
4. 'Water Runs Dry' - Boyz 2 Men
5. 'Power of Love' - Huey Lewis and the News
Monday, October 20, 2008
in our defense
I have been monitoring other blogs and threads dealing with Tate Music Group. Sometimes I get mad but mostly I just have to laugh. Not because of the subject matter, because of the lack of knowledge and understanding of a select few posters.
In my last post, I talked about the lack of factual truth regarding what is written on certain blogs. I was somewhat frustrated at the number of people I felt were paying attention and actually taking these words as truth. Today, however, after I posted answers to all questions asked (including those of an antagonistic nature), I have a restored faith in bloggers everywhere.
It is incredibly apparent that most people researching Tate Music Group are seeing through all the nonsense and negativity. A few weeks ago, almost every thread regarding Tate Music Group was being overrun and 'bullied' by 2 (maybe 3) ridiculous posters. Now, there are many new posters, some with Tate Music Group and some having no connection, coming to our defense. Again, why? Well, I think it has a lot to do with the professionalism we have been (and will continue) showing on all these sites. I think that says a lot about our company. Can we still be kind and courteous to people who are, for lack of a better term, slandering the company that we work for and believe in? We have shown that answer to be yes.
As a company, we are told to take the high road, to be above reproach, by our faith and by our boss. That is definitely not easy. When people attack you personally or something that you care about and work hard for, it is hard to just brush it off and respond with love and kindness. I think, though, that it will be a little easier now that others are speaking up on our behalf.
Thank you to all who have written objective thoughts and support, regardless of your relationship or status with Tate Music Group. Your written 'voices of reason' are heard and appreciated.
In my last post, I talked about the lack of factual truth regarding what is written on certain blogs. I was somewhat frustrated at the number of people I felt were paying attention and actually taking these words as truth. Today, however, after I posted answers to all questions asked (including those of an antagonistic nature), I have a restored faith in bloggers everywhere.
It is incredibly apparent that most people researching Tate Music Group are seeing through all the nonsense and negativity. A few weeks ago, almost every thread regarding Tate Music Group was being overrun and 'bullied' by 2 (maybe 3) ridiculous posters. Now, there are many new posters, some with Tate Music Group and some having no connection, coming to our defense. Again, why? Well, I think it has a lot to do with the professionalism we have been (and will continue) showing on all these sites. I think that says a lot about our company. Can we still be kind and courteous to people who are, for lack of a better term, slandering the company that we work for and believe in? We have shown that answer to be yes.
As a company, we are told to take the high road, to be above reproach, by our faith and by our boss. That is definitely not easy. When people attack you personally or something that you care about and work hard for, it is hard to just brush it off and respond with love and kindness. I think, though, that it will be a little easier now that others are speaking up on our behalf.
Thank you to all who have written objective thoughts and support, regardless of your relationship or status with Tate Music Group. Your written 'voices of reason' are heard and appreciated.
Friday, October 17, 2008
what happened to facts
I actually like to blog. You'd be surprised at how many people I know who hate it. They do it, for whatever reason, but they don't like it. I actually find it therapeutic. I want people to read what I write, but I write my thoughts as if I am the only one who actually cares. Maybe that is good, maybe not. What I try never to do, in any of the blogs, creative writing papers, articles, or letters I write, is to just put a bunch of nonsense that isn't represented by facts. I hate that!
Example: I have been monitoring a few blogs on other sites that have a lot to say about Tate Music Group...what Tate Music Group does and does not do, etc. I am happy that places like that exist. Why? Because if I am looking to make a big decision, be it a purchase, service, or whatever, I like to see what others have experienced. Good or bad. I want to know true facts about what they have to tell me. Buying a car? What is the gas mileage really like? Are there hidden fees with the warranty? Did the company do what they said they would? Things like that.
That is helpful when I am in the market to buy a car. Of course, I don't base everything on the say-so of one or two people. I look at what they say, judging its merit, and also look at the information I have regarding the company, product, or service I am researching. Sounds reasonable, right?
What I am noticing is a growing number of people who are writing blogs and posts without any true knowledge of what they are 'reviewing.' They have thrown out the facts, or better yet, ignored them to focus on what they want to say, right or wrong.
Do we have free speech? Absolutely! I am thankful for that everyday. We also have responsible speech. One of my favorite movies of all time is "All the President's Men" starring Redford and Hoffman. What a great example of true journalism and responsible speech and reporting. Getting the facts straight should be of utmost importance if you want to be taken seriously (and if you want to be considered an honest human being).
What I am realizing is that anybody and everybody can spout off at the mouth. That is never going to change. What I am realizing more and more is that people are able to see through the nonsense and the falsity.
Regarding Tate Music Group, it is apparent that not everyone likes us or what we do. It is also apparent, though, that those same people don't really know us or what we do. They simply write what they want and hope that others read and begin hating us too. I'm not so sure about that plan. For Tate Music Group, our concern is on being honest and available to our artists. That is just one of the many things that set us apart.
Example: I have been monitoring a few blogs on other sites that have a lot to say about Tate Music Group...what Tate Music Group does and does not do, etc. I am happy that places like that exist. Why? Because if I am looking to make a big decision, be it a purchase, service, or whatever, I like to see what others have experienced. Good or bad. I want to know true facts about what they have to tell me. Buying a car? What is the gas mileage really like? Are there hidden fees with the warranty? Did the company do what they said they would? Things like that.
That is helpful when I am in the market to buy a car. Of course, I don't base everything on the say-so of one or two people. I look at what they say, judging its merit, and also look at the information I have regarding the company, product, or service I am researching. Sounds reasonable, right?
What I am noticing is a growing number of people who are writing blogs and posts without any true knowledge of what they are 'reviewing.' They have thrown out the facts, or better yet, ignored them to focus on what they want to say, right or wrong.
Do we have free speech? Absolutely! I am thankful for that everyday. We also have responsible speech. One of my favorite movies of all time is "All the President's Men" starring Redford and Hoffman. What a great example of true journalism and responsible speech and reporting. Getting the facts straight should be of utmost importance if you want to be taken seriously (and if you want to be considered an honest human being).
What I am realizing is that anybody and everybody can spout off at the mouth. That is never going to change. What I am realizing more and more is that people are able to see through the nonsense and the falsity.
Regarding Tate Music Group, it is apparent that not everyone likes us or what we do. It is also apparent, though, that those same people don't really know us or what we do. They simply write what they want and hope that others read and begin hating us too. I'm not so sure about that plan. For Tate Music Group, our concern is on being honest and available to our artists. That is just one of the many things that set us apart.
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