Todd Carey signs deal with Rock Ridge Music - Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 26, 2011

TODD CAREY SIGNS MANAGEMENT DEAL

WITH ROCK RIDGE MUSIC

Brooklyn-based and Chicago-born singer-songwriter Todd Carey has inked a management deal with Newark, NJ-based music services company Rock Ridge Music.  Says Carey of the partnership:  “I’ve been building a fire with my fans’ help, and it’s very exciting to have Rock Ridge Music take notice and step in to elevate what I’m already doing.  I couldn’t be more optimistic about working with this amazing team.”

Says Rock Ridge Music President Jason Spiewak of the deal with Carey:  “We at Rock Ridge Music are stoked to be working with Todd Carey and his team. Todd's charisma is contagious and together we will broaden his audience on tour, on the web, on the radio, and everywhere else fans are enjoying great pop music!”

Carey is planning to go into the studio to work on a new album this calendar year; even though he has 40 songs written already for possible inclusion on the album, he plans to continue writing during the recording process.  “I’ve embraced the newer industry model and have put out an EP and singles since my last album came out,” says Carey.  “But I’m looking forward to getting into the studio and working on a full album’s worth of material.”  Already, he’s begun working with Lion’s Share, the production folks behind Andy Grammer’s Hot AC hit, “Keep Your Head Up.”

Carey’s most recent release, 2010’s “After The Morning After” EP, hit the Top 40 on iTunes’ Pop Chart and was produced by Mikal Blue (Colbie Caillat, Five for Fighting).  Previously, he released three solo albums (“Elevate,” “Revolving World,” and “Watching Waiting” [which came out through Universal’s Fontana Distribution]) and an additional EP (“Whitefish Bay Sessions”).  Carey is no stranger to touring and has criss-crossed the country repeatedly, playing over 250 shows in support of “After The Morning After.”  He’s toured with and performed on stage with numerous artists including Jason Mraz, John Mayer, Marc Broussard, Keaton Simons and Matt Duke.  Music from his “Watching Waiting” album was featured in the film “Palo Alto” and on MTV's “The Real World.”  Billboard magazine called “Watching Waiting” “…custom-made for the top of the pop charts... with a witty edge.”

www.toddcareymusic.com

www.facebook.com/toddcareymusic

www.twitter.com/toddcarey

www.myspace.com/toddcarey

For more information, please contact:

Krista Mettler / Skye Media & Rock Ridge Music

publicity@rockridgemusic.com

TalentWatch.net - showcasing not just the music but the artists as well

 
 

 

 

Gary Alan CEO and Founder of TalentWatch.net maybe onto something big. On TalentWatch, not only can artists showcase their music, but they post a personal Video - a spot where artists can tell their story and a little more about themselves. In return, TalentWatch fans rate artists on their talent, entertainment and likability, giving every music artist an equal chance to rise to the top.  TalentWatch is catching the attention of some prominent  people in the Music business, including Joey Stuckey, music producer and winner of Atlanta Society of Entertainers, Entertainer of the Year award.

Talent Watch is a site worth checking out for all aspiring artists.

Music Producer Believes TalentWatch.net is “Game-Changer” for Music Artists
Music ambassador and producer Joey Stuckey officially endorses TalentWatch as the place for emerging artists to get discovered

Atlanta, GA (Vocus/PRWEB) March 30, 2011

Joey Stuckey has performed and recorded with some of the biggest stars in music, including Smash Mouth, Trisha Yearwood, James Brown, the B52’s, Ike Turner, Randall Brambelt and many more. When recently asked about TalentWatch Stuckey shared his insight. “I’ve always known the internet could be a “game-changer” for music artists. However, up until now, no one has been able to harness the power of the internet to help aspiring music artists get the exposure they deserve. Take a look at Myspace and YouTube. They allow anyone to upload their music. Unfortunately, music fans or industry professionals have no way to navigate the clutter to find artists that deserve to be discovered. As a result, most talented artists barely make a blip on the radar. TalentWatch came up with the perfect solution by combining an innovative rating system with a very engaging platform. I believe TalentWatch is that “game-changer” aspiring music artists have been looking for. It may prove to be the best thing to happen to the music business since iTunes.”

Stuckey has already used the site to find new talent. ”I see TalentWatch as a major resource for industry professionals. For example, I can zero in on serious artists who have jumped through the hoops to get on TalentWatch. Once I’m on their site, I check out the highest rated artists first. This is a major time saver for me. I especially love the personal video, where I can get a sense of who the artist is. Frankly, there are too many hobby enthusiasts out there. Serious artists have been hurt by this. This is why Talentwatch is so important. Like I said, it’s a game-changer.”

Joey Stuckey has over 20 years experience as a music producer, engineer, publisher, record label owner, composer and performer. He owns and operates Shadow Sound Studio out of Macon, Georgia where such music elite as The Allman Brothers, Otis Redding and Jason Aldean originated. Through the years he has worked with many prominent artists, including James Brown, The B52’s, Charlie Daniels, and Trisha Yearwood. Stuckey has won multiple awards from the Atlanta Society of Entertainers for Entertainer of the Year and was named the official “Ambassador of Music” to Macon, Georgia by the mayor of the city in 2006. Stuckey is also a board member of the Georgia Allman Brothers Band Association (GABBA). You can connect with Joey at http://www.joeystuckey.com.

Music artists and fans can learn more about TalentWatch by visiting http://www.talentwatch.net

No Such Thing as a Cute Drunk, Especially In A Band

You go to the store and the clerk obviously has been drinking. He makes mistakes on register, drops your soda, making it spew when you open it, and smashes the bag of chips you bought while bagging them. And this is not the first time either. Do you keep stopping there, or do you go a little further down the road to the next store?

Most of us would go on down the road, and wonder how the guy keeps his job. Most jobs do not allow such behavior. But there seems to be an exception to the rule, and it is the music business.

We have all seen it. The band drinking on stage, or taking turns leaving the stage, coming back just a little more happier than before. And many of us have seen bands that have gotten smashed – flubbing rifts, stumbling and forgetting words. How many times do you go to see that band that continually does it?
Yes, it is an 'accepted' habit among the bands. The venues allow it, and some even 'pay' the bands with food and drink. But does it make good business sense?

Bands and musicians need to wake up. Yes, your music IS a business. People pay good money to see you, whether they pay a cover charge, buy a ticket, or simply spend money of dinner and drinks, they are still paying. It is your job to give them their moneys worth. Venues need to wake up as well. Pay the bands in cash, not drinks. Do you allow your kitchen help or wait staff drink on the job? Why then, do you allow the band?

Many bands dream of 'making it big'. Well, making it involves hard work and having the “right person” see you perform. Every time you are on stage, no matter where you are, you never know if that “right person” is sitting there watching you. And if you think seeing you suck down a beer is going to get you a contract, think again.

All musicians need to treat every gig like it is an audition. Every member needs to be on their game at all times, from the support staff to the front-man. Front-men especially, for you carry the added responsibility of setting the image the band projects.

If you are happy to just play the local pub, then have a ball, get drunk and keep doing whatever it is you do, a year from now, you might still be there. But if you are a serious musician, and want more than that, then it is time you take the business seriously and treat it as such. Scouts are everywhere, and they are looking to invest in music, otherwise they would just by stock in Jim Beam or Budweiser.

Just my rant - what is your thoughts? Later - Renagade

Tips on Self Promoting your Music

So, you have written some awesome tunes, recorded them, and have the downloads and CDs ready for sale, maybe even have them up on your site available for purchase already. Now What?

Gone are the early days of recording a few tunes and people finding them and buying. The marketplace is far more vast and good music is everywhere. So just how do you drive traffic to YOUR songs?

There are countless ways to do that, but fair warning, this does take time, and work. Countless books, DVDs, pod casts, webinars and seminars are available and some are really good sources of information. There is also a gazillion places on the web to find some information as well. But before you run yourself ragged looking for this, let cover some of the basics here.

Make Google Work For You

1. Be sure your title is the title and your name: People may not remember your CD called “XYZ and ME” , but may remember it is by “The Crazy Hippos” . Be sure your downloads and CD listings have both in title.
2. Is the price right? - Don’t expect to sell YOUR CD of music for $30 when others are selling for $14. Research your prices.

Feed The Beast - The items found on Google are not always found BY Google. They are fed to Google via Google Product Search . Luckily many, many marketplaces such as , Amazon Music, CD Baby and itunes do this for you, that is why they are a good place to set up shop

Help yourself

1. Be Social - Social Media is a goldmine of opportunities to promote your products. You have Face Book, Twitter, My Space, and a ton of Ning Sites, all offering you a way to let a huge audience know about what you sell and where they can find it. CAUTION The KEY word is SOCIAL - BE social. Chat with the people, show genuine interest in what THEY say, and they will return the favor. Above all have fun.
2. Join In - There are countless site to brainstorm with fellow musicians. There are groups on Face Book, My Space, as well as other places such as http://www.linkedin.com/, http://www.musicianforums.com/  http://www.bandfocus.com/ and a wide array of Ning sites. Remember - not only is it good way to find out information, but musicians buy too!
3. Blog it - A blog is and excellent way to promote without actually doing so. Simply by writing about what you like, or telling stories about the band, where youre playing, etc people get to know you a little better, and often will look at the ’Ad’ you have on the side.
4. Add your two cents worth - You are NOT a Blogger? Then try just leaving comments on ones you read. Agree, Disagree, give Kudos, add your two cents! When you add a comment you can also add a url. Why not use your url to where your music is!
5. YouTube It - You Tube is one of the most powerful marketing tools for musicians today. Use it, but use it wisely. Be sure the video is interesting and good quality, both audio and video wise.

Be your biggest fan

1. Become a Walking Billboard - Have a Custom T- Shirt made with your Logo. Or a tote bag, bumper sticker, window decal, you name it. Sell these or give them to your fans.  They will spread the word for you.
2. Address the issue - Make some address labels that not only have your Name or BAND name and Address BUT your URL on it! I use them on everything, even my bills I pay.
3. The 3 foot rule - Use the 3 foot rule. Simply put, anyone that comes within 3 feet of you will know you are a MUSICIAN. Find a way when ever possible to talk about songs. And if you follow this up with a business card, you just may get a sale or a Gig out of the deal.
4. Get Reviews - ask around for reviews of the album. Just be sure to go with those that understand your genre. A country artist is not going to fare well with someone who prefers rap.

I Don’t have the time

1. You don’t have the time to market. Many musicians don’t. Then consider hiring someone to handle your PR and Marketing. There are many good firms and freelance people that can do this for you. But WARNING: you must research them. As many good ones are out there, there are those that are scams. And remember size and price does not mean quality.

These are some of the basic steps you can take to try to drive more people to your site, and hence, make more sales. Be creative, be social, and become your biggest fan. Above have fun. It is not rocket science it is common sense. Remember common sense equals dollars and cents.

Feel free to add your two cents…. What works for you? (and lets see if you paid attention)

Renagade
Renagade offers PR and marketing for good quality Indie Artists

If Not For Dreaming creates a Joyous Rush

Every once in a while, an artist tosses me something that Wows me within the first few seconds.
Damien Cripps grabbed my my heart with the first notes of Pictures, Monk touched my soul with the reflective Fill the Emptiness , now If Not for Dreaming captured my spirit with their debut video of Joyous Rush.
This video is suberbly filmed and edited, flowing along with the song like a leaf flows down a stream. It give you a wonderful look into the stage presence of Amity and the band, as well as the creation of their music.

Joyous Rush, from their debut album If Not For Dreaming, is an excellent song that creates a visual when listened to, but to see Amity and Pats vision for the song gives you an insight into the spirit of this band. The thing that gives them A Joyous Rush is writing and performing together.



If Not For Dreaming's first video release, "Joyous Rush"!
Video shot and edited by Dustin Schultz and Steve Fiore

If Not For Dreaming is:
Amity Wahl - vocals/guitar
Pasquale Russo - guitar
Jay Jerz - bass
Carl Goding - drums

Find more music at http://www.ifnotfordreaming.com/


Video shot at Trod Nossel Studios, Wallingford, CT
Amity's makeup by Lauren Anne Page
Additional thanks to Stephanie Jerz

If Not For Dreaming is a member of Renagades of Music. Visit them at www.renagadesmusic.com/ifnotfordreaming.htm

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Do and Don'ts for Musician's Blogs

One of the best ways to keep in touch with your fans and to gain more is a blog. Fans love finding out more about their favorite musicians and bands and a blog offers you a way to give them an inside peek into your life. There are some basic rules to follow though to keep your reputation in a good light:

1. Use spell check. - Be sure the spelling is correct. Type out your blog in word first, check spelling then copy and paste in.
2. Use proper English - Don’t sound like an uneducated thug
3. DON”T cuss - leave the f-bombs, “N” word etc out of it.
4. Give some inside scoop - what is the next song about. Your favorite gig spot. What happened before the show, etc.
5. DO NOT brag about getting drunk, high, or having sex. - Not you or any of your band members.
6. DO give praise- to a fan, a fellow band member, another artist.
7. Include extras - Song Lyrics, Videos, background of song, Pictures, etc
8. Avoid lots of fancy fonts etc - And be sure the colors make it easy on eyes

Update Often - You don’t have to do it everyday, but don’t let it get stale either
By keeping it clean, informative and fun, you will be winning the hearts of your fans and building upon your Web presence.  It is a great way to promote yourself as well.
Now get started!
Later…. Renagade

www.renagadesmusic.com  - where good bands build great reputations

Musicians Friend - a Model for Customer Support

Many have heard of Musician's Friend and have shopped them.  If so you know that they offer a 45-Day Best Price + Satisfaction Guarantee at MusiciansFriend.com  What you many not know is they have a Customer Service Team that can't be beat.  The following was posted on my Rants,Raves,Renagade Blog in Dec of 2008, and in light of  continuing great service, I felt posting this story here on my Music blog was only approperate.

Musicians Friend - Delivers
Musicians Friend..... Anyone who is a musician, a DJ, or just like to have the best in audio equipment has heard of them. They carry everything from the most professional grade amps and speakers down to guitar picks and drumsticks. If it is music related, you can find it here.

Now what I want to tell you about is along with the great product line, Musician's Friend offers THE most top of the line Customer Support Team I have ever dealt with.

We had ordered from them many times, and have contacted them with everything from simple questions to heart stopping problems, and everytime they have reponded quickly, professionally, and,..... living up to the name of Musician's Friend,...... like a friend.

I must tell you about the last call...no.... last set of calls made to their customer support team. We had ordered a set of peavey PA speakers along with stands and other equipment, and like they always do, they sent the tracking number and link to UPS. We noted the delivery date and when that day came was surprised to find out that UPS delivered them while we where not at home. Very much surprised, since the boxes where not at my house! After contacting UPS, and while waiting for them to call back, we called Musician's Friends customer service. They not only sprung into action immediately to start a tracer, they reassured us that it was insured and if the shipment was lost they would reship the entire order within seven days.

Well to make a VERY long story short, the shipment was found, UPS delivered to the wrong house. The UPS driver was able to get the equipment, but the neighbors who recieved the boxes had opened them, threw out the boxes and thought they had themselves a good set of Peaveys for nothing. Musician's Friend said not to worry, would still stand behind what we bought.

We contacted them three times that night, and each time their Customer support team was professional but more importantly.... they genuinely CARED! They went over and above to let us know they where there for us.
A special Thanks goes out to Walt(?) , John, and Raymond who where working the phones on Dec 10, 2008.  They could not have done a better job! They are all top of the line and set a fine example in what customer support is all about.

After that night, we we never buy from any other company BUT Musician's Friend. Their name says it all, and they are truly our friends now.

Renagade offers PR services for Indie Musicians.  Some of the best Indies today can be found at www.renagadesrelics.com
Disclosure: Renagade is an affliate marketer for Musicians Friend.  This story explains why Renagade choses to do so.  Visit Musicians Friend Today.