Hack Your Hit: Free and cheap marketing tips for musicians
Writer: Jay Frank; Published by Futurehit, Inc. Nashville, TN
Jay Frank’s second book, Hack Your Hit, is scheduled for release Jan. 31, 2012. His first book, Futurehit.DNA garnered excellent reviews. It was a long form discussion of how to make a song “more hitworthy” and easier to discover based upon historical changes in the technology that control how we listen to music.
On Hack Your Hit, the author has returned with a punchy writing style and 41 short chapters that each reveal a single marketing tip. Ideas range across social media and even things as simple as why male artists should use images of pretty women. Frank succinctly advises, “Hot chicks get clicks.” He also preaches the wisdom of sending handwritten thank-you notes. Why? “Because it makes an impact, and one that gives you a crucial edge. To be memorable above all other artists, you must do the things that 99% of the other artists don’t, and one of those things is sending thank-you notes.”
But there are also buckets of implementable ideas based in the digital realm. Frank offers a healthy serving of innovative ways for an artist to speed up the career growth process and discover those fans that are most likely to be attracted to your music. Twitter, Facebook, Google Alerts and Google Search are some of the frequently mentioned players. Tips for cultivating Superfans, getting maximum impact on Facebook, Twitter and Youtube and strategic ways to utilize Google’s incredible search results are expertly harnessed to boost sales and visibility.
The real power in Hack Your Hit however, is its premise. The sheer quantity of great ideas gathered in one place, elevates the work to a valuable resource and more importantly, an inspiration. As the author humbly notes in the intro, “…the best hacks are not all mine.” Regardless, the savvy reader/musician will find Frank an invaluable guide as together they methodically pick and choose those ideas that fit best their unique situation.
And if anyone doubts the writer’s devotion to self promotion, page 76 should wipe away any such thoughts. Here, while telling his readers they must have a gimmick, he instructs them how to describe his book, asking them to “memorize it and use it as a secret handshake for other musicians.” In fact, Frank promises, “If you post that phrase on your Twitter account, I’ll send you a secret link to download a free bonus hack chapter not included in this book.”
So let’s see if it works? Here’s the twitter-ready phrase, and it’s a fitting end to this review.
“Man, you gotta read Hack Your Hit! There’s a ton of great secrets on how to become famous.”
Artist Photos (1/26/12)
/by FreemanEmmylou Harris celebrated her 20th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday, Jan. 21. The special occasion was marked with appearances and performances from Harris, Vince Gill, Rodney Crowell (with whom Harris is recording a duets album), Shawn Colvin, Buddy Miller, Kimmie Rhodes and The Whites.
Emmylou Harris performs with Vince Gill (L) at her Grand Ole Opry 20th anniversary. Photo: Chris Hollo
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Retro duo The Secret Sisters (Laura and Lydia Rogers) were recently invited to become “Friends and Family” members of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The Sisters will spend much of February touring through Europe before returning home to do a show in Russellville, Alabama.
(L-R) back: Rachel Weingartner (Membership Coordinator), Pamela Johnson (Vice President, Development), Jay Orr (Vice President, Programs); front: Laura Rogers and Lydia Rogers (The Secret Sisters)
Industry Toasts Keith Urban’s “Long Hot Summer”
/by FreemanBMI and ASCAP celebrated the creative powers behind Keith Urban’s recent No. 1 hit “Long Hot Summer” (Capitol Nashville) at a party held yesterday (Jan. 25) at Cabana. Urban co-wrote the song with Grammy winner Richard Marx, and it’s his 13th overall No. 1.
During the event Urban invited two fans, whom he found on YouTube performing the song, to join him onstage for a sing-along.
(L-R): ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, producer Dann Huff, co-writer Richard Marx, Keith Urban, BMI’s Jody Williams, Universal Music Publishing Group’s Pat Higdon, and Capitol Nashville’s Mike Dungan. Photo: Rick Diamond
Richard Marx and Keith Urban perform their No. 1 single “Long Hot Summer” with talented fans Leslie Strong and Patrick Woolam. Photo: Rick Diamond
Band Perry, Shelton To Perform With Glen Campbell On Grammy Telecast
/by Eric T. ParkerMusic’s Biggest Night will air live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles and will be hosted by LL COOL J. Additional performers, presenters and special segments will be announced soon.
Shelton is up for two awards: Best Country Solo Performance for “Honey Bee” and Best Country Album for Red River Blue. The Band Perry is nominated in the all-genre Best New Artist category.
Previously announced performers for the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards include current nominees Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson, Taylor Swift, Coldplay and Rihanna, Foo Fighters, Bruno Mars, Paul McCartney, and Nicki Minaj.
Genevieve Jewell Leads The Collective’s Nashville Office
/by Sarah SkatesGenevieve Jewell
Beverly Hills based management and production company The Collective has opened a Nashville office under the leadership of Genevieve Jewell.
Jewell previously served as a manager at Borman Entertainment, where she worked with Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Michael Franti and Alison Krauss among others. Before that Jewell worked with Nettwerk Management. In 2008, Billboard named her one of their “Top 30 Executives Under the Age of 30.”
Joining her at The Collective is management client Tyler Bryant & the Shakedown.
In the three years since launching its music division, The Collective Music Group, the company has signed Linkin Park, Alanis Morissette, Counting Crows, Slash, Big Boi, Enrique Iglesias, and more.
“The Nashville music community has long played an integral role in the careers of many of the artists we represent so we’re excited to have found in Genevieve the ideal candidate to extend our presence there,” said The Collective CEO Michael Green.
“I am thrilled to join The Collective and open their Nashville office,” Jewell said. “This is a true all-encompassing entertainment company that does a remarkable job of building sustainable careers and brands for their clients, no matter what genre they are. Michael has put together an incredible group of bright, forward-thinking people from all areas of the industry including sponsorship, radio, touring, TV/film and digital production, and I feel fortunate to be a part of this team.”
The Collective’s Nashville office is located at 209 10th Ave. S., Suite 402 Nashville, TN 37203, and Jewell can be reached at GJ@thecollective-la.com.
Chris Young Makes a Donation to MTSU
/by Freeman“We are pleased that Chris chose to donate some of his touring equipment to the University,” said Joe Bales, Vice President for Development and University Relations. “This donation represents his latest efforts to give back.”
Craig Doman, Director of Production Services, added “a great big thanks to Chris Young for thinking of us. We accept his donation with gratitude and look forward to incorporating his gift into our many services,” Doman continued. “Our staff, which includes more than 100 students, will greatly benefit.”
Earlier today (Jan. 26), Young was nominated for ACM Awards for Male Vocalist of the Year and Single Record of the Year for “Tomorrow.” His current single “You” is inside the Top 5 everywhere, and he’s currently on the road as part of Miranda Lambert’s On Fire tour.
12South Entertainment Launches In Nashville
/by FreemanGonzalez has more than 15 years experience as a music talent agent, including nine years with CAA in Beverly Hills. While there she worked with Jesse McCartney, Ashlee Simpson, Nikka Costa, Will Hoge, Van Hunt and Phantom Planet among others. Most recently she was VP Operations for MAC Presents, where she oversaw sponsorship activation logistics, IT services, and publicity. Her career also includes time with Atlanta venues the Dark Horse Tavern and The Point, as well as stage management for the city’s Music Midtown Festival.
“I’ve worn many hats over the years in the music industry and at the end of the day, I’m still just a passionate music lover,” says Gonzalez. “The goal of my company is to search for new and additional revenue streams for artists.”
Current 12South Entertainment clients include The CMO Club, MultiplyLive, TEDxNashville, and The Steven Roth Band.
Reach Gonzalez here.
Lady A Owns The Night With Ticket Sales Gold
/by Caitlin RantalaHigh demand has caused advance sell-outs at some of the nation’s biggest arenas like the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Allstate Arena in Chicago, American Airlines Center in Dallas and the DCU Center in Worcester, MA.
“We have been really involved in the planning of our tour every step of the way…I remember drawing out an idea for our set design on a paper plate, so to now see it come to life is just crazy,” said Lady A’s Hillary Scott. “We are just so invested in every moment and making it a great experience for the fans, and we’re really excited for everything 2012 has in store.”
Fresh off celebrating their No. 1 hits “We Owned The Night” and “Just A Kiss” in Nashville this week, Lady A received five ACM nominations this morning (1/26), including Album Of The Year for Own The Night.
How To Become Famous? Hack Your Hit
/by bossrossWriter: Jay Frank; Published by Futurehit, Inc. Nashville, TN
Jay Frank’s second book, Hack Your Hit, is scheduled for release Jan. 31, 2012. His first book, Futurehit.DNA garnered excellent reviews. It was a long form discussion of how to make a song “more hitworthy” and easier to discover based upon historical changes in the technology that control how we listen to music.
On Hack Your Hit, the author has returned with a punchy writing style and 41 short chapters that each reveal a single marketing tip. Ideas range across social media and even things as simple as why male artists should use images of pretty women. Frank succinctly advises, “Hot chicks get clicks.” He also preaches the wisdom of sending handwritten thank-you notes. Why? “Because it makes an impact, and one that gives you a crucial edge. To be memorable above all other artists, you must do the things that 99% of the other artists don’t, and one of those things is sending thank-you notes.”
But there are also buckets of implementable ideas based in the digital realm. Frank offers a healthy serving of innovative ways for an artist to speed up the career growth process and discover those fans that are most likely to be attracted to your music. Twitter, Facebook, Google Alerts and Google Search are some of the frequently mentioned players. Tips for cultivating Superfans, getting maximum impact on Facebook, Twitter and Youtube and strategic ways to utilize Google’s incredible search results are expertly harnessed to boost sales and visibility.
The real power in Hack Your Hit however, is its premise. The sheer quantity of great ideas gathered in one place, elevates the work to a valuable resource and more importantly, an inspiration. As the author humbly notes in the intro, “…the best hacks are not all mine.” Regardless, the savvy reader/musician will find Frank an invaluable guide as together they methodically pick and choose those ideas that fit best their unique situation.
And if anyone doubts the writer’s devotion to self promotion, page 76 should wipe away any such thoughts. Here, while telling his readers they must have a gimmick, he instructs them how to describe his book, asking them to “memorize it and use it as a secret handshake for other musicians.” In fact, Frank promises, “If you post that phrase on your Twitter account, I’ll send you a secret link to download a free bonus hack chapter not included in this book.”
So let’s see if it works? Here’s the twitter-ready phrase, and it’s a fitting end to this review.
“Man, you gotta read Hack Your Hit! There’s a ton of great secrets on how to become famous.”
Alan Jackson Performing At CRS Luncheon
/by Eric T. Parker“This will be a very special experience from a Country music icon and a true American original,” said Capitol Nashville President and CEO Mike Dungan.
The 2012 CRS registration rates increase to $599 for the on-site rate effective Jan. 28.
Alan Jackson’s latest single, “So You Don’t Have to Love Me Anymore,” is from his forthcoming 2012 album.
Capitol Records Nashville is currently in the running for MusicRow’s CountryBreakout award for Label of the Year, which is based on spins from the CountryBreakout Radio panel. Capitol has won the honor for the previous six years, this year’s winner will be announced at the MusicRow Airplay Awards on Feb. 21. Capitol launched EMI Records Nashville in 2010.
MusicRow Hires Caitlin Rantala
/by Eric T. ParkerIn 2010, Rantala graduated from Elon University in North Carolina with degrees in Digital Art and Professional Writing and Rhetoric. Shortly after, she moved to Nashville, where she has been writing part-time for MusicRow since September 2011.
“Caitlin Rantala is a testament to the power of emails and personal websites,” explains Robertson. “After she exchanged emails with Founder David Ross for a year, David forwarded one to me. Although I wasn’t hiring at that time, I quickly read it, clicked on her website, and archived it. But it made an impression. Six months later, she is the newest creative addition to MusicRow and I’m very delighted. Her creative energy is contagious and I’m looking forward to what she brings to our future.”
She can be reached at crantala@musicrow.com.